For Kenyan-Ugandan singer-songwriter Xenia Manasseh, now based in Los Angeles, constant movement has become second nature. Before settling in LA, Xenia lived in Atlanta, where she began her songwriting journey, Boston, where she graduated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and Mombasa, where she spent her high school years.
“I grew up on the Coast, in Bomani-Kikabambala. My entire upbringing revolved around the Coast. I went to school there and completed my five years of IB (International Baccalaureate) education,” she shares.
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Music runs in Xenia’s family. Her grandfather’s extensive music collection had a significant influence on her. “My Babu’s music collection is massive. He’s related to Mzee Ngala—they’re cousins. There wasn’t a specific genre he favored. We listened to everything, from Kenyan and African music to full jazz and saxophone albums,” she recalls.
One of her cherished projects is a recording with her grandfather, nicknamed G.I., and her grandmother. “They sang a traditional Swahili song used to bid farewell to a bride. I’ve been asking them for this recording for ages. Now I have it, even though I don’t know when I’ll get married. They’re older, and they might not be around when I do.”
When it comes to marriage, Xenia admits she hasn’t witnessed many love-centered unions, saying, “I think marriages could use more balance.”
Interestingly, music wasn’t her initial career choice. “I wanted to study entertainment law, not music. At Berklee, I majored in the music business instead of performance or songwriting. I don’t know why I kept lying to myself, thinking I didn’t want to be a musician. I used to find music boring,” she says. However, toward the end of her studies, songwriting and working with producers changed her perspective.
After returning to Kenya in late 2018, she released “Niambie,” which kickstarted her music career. Today, Xenia is an independent artist signed only to a distribution company. She values the creative freedom that comes with independence. “I own all my masters, so I can decide what to do with them. You don’t get that freedom with a label,” she explains.
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She is also firm about retaining ownership of her work. “No, I’ve never thought of selling my masters, and I don’t think I ever will. Masters are the main reason artists often fall out with labels. Even after leaving a label, they still own your songs.”
In Kenya, Xenia notes that songwriting isn’t widely valued, but when it is, the pay can be rewarding. “People don’t often buy songs, but when they do, the money is good.”
What excites her most about being back home is the food and weather. “Whenever I’m home, I get to enjoy proper meals and the great weather,” she says.
Xenia also keeps active with hobbies like football and working out at the gym. As for her love languages, she reveals, “Physical touch and quality time are my love languages.”
Reflecting on relationships, she humorously admits, “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.”
