For Kenyan-Ugandan singer-songwriter Xenia Manasseh, life is a delicate balancing act between Kenya and the United States. Now based in Los Angeles, Xenia’s journey has been a series of transitions from her high school years in Mombasa to studying at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston and launching her music career in Atlanta.
Growing up in Bomani-Kikabambala along Kenya’s coast, Xenia credits her grandfather’s eclectic music collection for sparking her interest in music. “My Babu’s music collection is massive. We listened to everything, from Kenyan and African music to jazz and saxophone albums,” she shares. One of her treasured recordings is a Swahili farewell song her grandparents sang. “It’s a traditional song for brides. I’ve kept it, even though I don’t know when I’ll get married,” she reveals.
Although music now defines her life, Xenia initially planned to study entertainment law. “I majored in the music business at Berklee, thinking I didn’t want to be a musician. Toward the end of my studies, working with producers shifted my mindset,” she admits. This pivot led to her debut single, Niambie, in 2018, which kickstarted her career.
Today, Xenia thrives as an independent artist, owning all her masters and retaining full creative control. “Owning my masters allows me to decide what to do with my work. Labels often control an artist’s catalog even after they part ways,” she says.
Despite her international exposure, Kenya remains close to her heart. “I love coming home for the food and the weather,” Xenia notes. She also enjoys football and gym workouts in her downtime.
When reflecting on relationships, Xenia humorously confesses, “I don’t know if it’s okay to go back to your ex for ‘retirement benefits,’ but to say I haven’t would be a lie.”
Xenia’s journey is a testament to her evolving passions and her ability to balance her roots and global aspirations seamlessly.
