The first time I met Xenia Manasseh, she was a passenger in my Uber car on Mass Ave in Boston. Back then, we were both Undergraduate college students hustling from gig to gig. I was busy shuffling passengers from ride to ride, and she was going from event to event, working to make her voice heard. Little did I know we would live our dreams in a few years.
Xenia Manasseh’s journey from Nairobi to the international stage is a story of talent, dedication, and cultural bridge-building. Born and raised in Kenya, Xenia’s early musical foundation was set against the vibrant backdrop of Nairobi’s eclectic music scene. Her decision to attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music in my hometown, Boston, a globally recognized institution for music education, was a turning point that helped her refine her skills and expand her artistic horizons.
At Berklee, Xenia immersed herself in a challenging environment surrounded by some of the world’s most talented musicians. This period was crucial for developing her signature style—a blend of neo-soul, R&B, and jazz, influenced by iconic figures like Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill. Her Kenyan roots, however, remained a significant part of her identity, creating a unique fusion of sounds that distinguishes her from many contemporary R&B artists.
Her rise in the Kenyan music scene began with the release of her debut EP, Fallin’ Apart in 2019. The EP praised for its emotional honesty and soulful production, introduced Xenia’s talent to audiences in Kenya and beyond. Her songs often explore love, vulnerability, and identity themes, resonating deeply with listeners who appreciate her raw, introspective lyrics. This early success in Kenya set the stage for her broader impact. It led to collaborations with notable artists like Sauti Sol on their album Midnight Train, where Xenia’s voice and songwriting added a distinct texture to several tracks.
After completing her studies at Berklee, Xenia’s career took on a global dimension. She became a sought-after songwriter and collaborator, contributing to projects by high-profile artists like Teyana Taylor. Xenia’s work on Taylor’s album The Album earned her significant recognition, highlighting her abilities as a performer and a behind-the-scenes creative force. As an artist and songwriter, this dual role is a testament to her versatility and skill, allowing her to navigate different facets of the music industry successfully.
Xenia’s influence extends beyond her musical output. She has become a symbol of the evolving Kenyan music scene, where young artists increasingly blend local and international influences to create innovative sounds. Her achievements have been recognized by global platforms like Apple Music, which named her one of Africa’s “Ones to Watch,” and Spotify’s EQUAL program, where she was featured as an ambassador. These accolades have solidified her place as a rising star in Kenya and globally, showcasing the potential of East African talent on the world stage.
In her debut album, Love/Hate Pt. 1, Xenia crafted an intimate narrative exploring the complexities of relationships. The album combines Swahili lyrics with Western neo-soul influences, a blend that captures her multicultural identity and ability to bridge Kenyan heritage with global R&B trends. Songs like “Soul Lovers” and “Lowkey” delve into personal experiences with a depth that invites listeners into her world, while tracks like “Cheza Chini” emphasize her Kenyan roots.
Xenia Manasseh’s career is about individual success and the broader cultural impact she’s making. By remaining true to her Kenyan background while embracing global music trends, she plays a pivotal role in redefining what it means to be a Kenyan artist on the international stage. I am proud of her journey. The story continues to inspire a generation of young African musicians who see her success as a blueprint for navigating the complexities of a globalized music industry.
Her rise reminds us of the potential within the Kenyan American community to bridge cultures through art, reinforcing the importance of Kenyan-American foreign relations in the arts and highlighting the talent emerging from Kenya’s music scene. With each new project, Xenia Manasseh continues to prove that Kenyan artists can be at the forefront of global music innovation.
Please go and subscribe to her YouTube channel and be a part of this beautiful journey curating the best soulful energy for our musical community at the Kenyan American.