Xenia Manasseh is a Kenyan-Ugandan singer, songwriter, and performer whose sound exists at the intersection of R&B, neo-soul, and contemporary pop. Known for her rich, emotive tone and layered vocal arrangements, she has emerged as one of East Africa’s most compelling voices, balancing deeply personal songwriting with a growing global presence.

A Berklee College of Music alum, Xenia approaches music with both technical precision and emotional depth. Her early project Fallin’ Apart (2019) introduced her as a promising new voice, while Love/Hate Pt. 1 (2022) marked a transition into a more introspective and fully realised artist. Her more recent work, including Love/Hate Pt. 2 and collaborative releases like Maybe II, reflects an artist continuing to refine her sound while expanding her creative range. Across her catalogue, she explores themes of intimacy, independence, vulnerability, and self-awareness with a quiet confidence that resonates widely.

Beyond her work as a recording artist, Xenia has established herself as a globally recognised songwriter. She has contributed to multiple projects for Teyana Taylor, with her writing featured on major releases and earning her a Grammy nomination. This dual identity as both artist and writer places her within an international creative network, allowing her to move seamlessly between behind-the-scenes craftsmanship and front-facing performance.

She has had the opportunity to perform behind Gloria Estefan, be a lead singer for Beyoncè’s Original All female band, and backup for Crissy Collins of Beyoncè’s MAMAs. She has also had the opportunity to attend the Essence Festival in 2017 as a background singer for Mayah Dyson. 

Her growing global presence is reflected in key cultural platforms and performances, including a standout appearance on COLORS x STUDIOS and a Tiny Desk performance alongside Berhana. She has also collaborated with artists such as Burna Boy, Mr Eazi, and Sauti Sol, further cementing her place within a global R&B and Afro-fusion ecosystem.

Based between Nairobi and Los Angeles, her music reflects this dual existence. Her sound carries the warmth and emotional honesty associated with classic neo-soul, while maintaining a contemporary edge shaped by global influences. Her visual and sonic aesthetic leans toward minimalism, prioritising emotional clarity over excess, creating work that feels intimate, intentional, and enduring.

Within the broader African music landscape, Xenia represents a generation of artists redefining what it means to be global without losing personal identity. She is both a storyteller and a craftsman, building a body of work that moves fluidly across borders while remaining grounded in authenticity and emotional truth.