Xenia Manasseh possesses a soothing and melodic voice, taking measured pauses as she articulates her thoughts.
She embodies a calmness that hides an underlying creative passion, which is evident in her newly released album, Love/Hate Pt. 2.
This album serves as the impactful conclusion to a two-part series, following Love/Hate Pt. 1, released in September 2023. Together, these albums delve into a wide spectrum of human feelings, including deep love, anger, and sorrow. This contrast mirrors Manasseh’s personal and artistic growth.
Currently based in Los Angeles, she shares during an interview with TunesDeck that amidst the city’s chaos, she finds solace in quiet moments.
“I mostly spend my days either at home or in the studio,” she mentions.
Manasseh reflects on how her time straddling life between Nairobi and LA has been crucial to her development. “Nairobi will always feel like home to me,” she expresses, finding grounding and belonging there. Nevertheless, living in LA has allowed her to explore and evolve herself.
“Being away from home has helped me discover my identity,” she adds.
Her Kenyan heritage continues to influence her music deeply. Interestingly, her time in L.A. inspired her to create more tracks infused with Swahili elements.
“Distance from home has evoked this creativity,” she laughs.
This element shines through in Love/Hate Pt. 2, along with new music she is currently developing for upcoming releases. Initially envisioned as a singular project, the Love/Hate series evolved separately to allow the songs and their underlying emotions to resonate more profoundly.
“Pt. 1 and Pt. 2 were primarily created simultaneously,” she explains. However, there is a distinct transformation evident in her latest work, especially in the final track “Phases,” which she penned this year.
“The lyrics convey a deeper understanding now,” she reflects, contrasting her newer pieces with earlier songs like “Sober” and “Bad Side” from 2020. “In the past, I simply expressed my immediate feelings. Now, there’s compassion not just for myself but for others as well.”
She describes feeling a sense of acceptance in the album, which features collaborations with artists such as Cracker Mallo, Waye, Ukweli, and Hamzaa.
The cover art for Pt. 2 symbolizes Manasseh’s growth, showcasing a striking dragon design that contrasts with her earlier, more naive aesthetics. The dragon holds significance for her, being the largest tattoo in her collection.
“I’ve always felt a connection to dragons, embodying both strength and vulnerability,” she explains.
The visuals for her newest single “Fire” captures this dynamic, featuring a passionately intense performance amidst fiery visuals.
In just a few days, she will head back to Kenya. Manasseh has found this period challenging as the country grapples with political turmoil and social issues.
“Watching from afar has been tough,” she admits. “I often wonder, ‘What can I do to help?’”
With family actively joining in the “Ruto Must Go” protests, she has kept herself updated through social media, despite the time difference.
Although the strife back home has not hindered her creativity, she looks forward to returning to Kenya soon, seeking to reconnect and recharge. While Love/Hate Pt. 2 remains fresh, she is already delving into new musical projects.
“I have about five projects lined up,” she shares. “I’m constantly creating. There’s so much more on the horizon.”
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