American-based Kenyan-Ugandan songstress Xenia Manasseh continues to captivate audiences with her latest soulful offering, Phases, an extension of her growing discography.
Phases serves as the first glimpse into Manasseh’s sophomore album, Love/Hate Pt. 2, and poetically captures the complex push-pull dynamics of understanding and being understood.
“This song speaks to my current understanding of unconditional love and compassion. It revolves around the hope for a requited love with a purity I hadn’t discovered before. My hope for love used to be rooted in not being able to see myself but here, I have all the cards laid out on the table and can finally see things for what they are. The willingness to truly be patient rests on the sole condition that I’m met with unfiltered honesty and the realization that unconditional love can only function where truth is the anchor.” Xenia says, shedding light on the essence of her new track.
Set against a mellow R&B production, Manasseh’s smooth, soulful vocals narrate an intimate story of fear of loss and hope for reconciliation. “Do you really stick around just ‘cause of pride? Or do you really think you couldn’t love me right?” she delicately questions in the song.
A COLORS-approved artist, Manasseh has been making waves with her relatable and honest explorations of love and life. Her debut album, Love / Hate Pt. 1, showcases her unique blend of Swahili culture and R&B motifs, creating a distinct artistic experience that has resonated with audiences.
Since releasing her debut EP, Fallin’ Apart, in 2019, Manasseh has steadily garnered a global fanbase, from Nairobi to London and LA to Lagos. Trained at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, her sound combines neo-soul and jazz elements, deeply rooted in core R&B influences. This foundation allows her to deliver vulnerable confessions, reflecting the complex interplay of emotions in human connections.
Collaborations with artists like Mr. Eazi, Tay Iwar, and Sauti Sol have further solidified her industry acclaim. With support from media and industry leaders, Manasseh continues to grow. As a Spotify RADAR Africa artist, she brings a wealth of life experience to her new music, satisfying her expanding supporters worldwide.
Her songwriting prowess, honed by working with stars like Brandy, Teyana Taylor, and Big Sean, shines through in her latest work.
Phases signal a thrilling new chapter for this rising star. As we approach the release of Love/Hate Pt. 2, Xenia Manasseh is set to carve out her own lane in the music industry.
Listen to Phases here:
