Kenyan R&B star Xenia Manasseh featured on American live music show 'Tiny Desk'

The songbird, who also became one of the first batch of Kenyan R&B artists to be featured on German music platform COLORS X STUDIO, featured on the Tiny Desk performance of US R&B singer Berhana as part of his backup vocalists.

Berhana, who is based in Atlanta and is of Ethiopian origin, appeared draped in a traditional Ethiopian scarf backed by members of the Ethio Cali band as they beautifully showcased their authentic take on East African rhythms.

The singer performed several songs lifted from his Ethiopia-inspired album 'Amen', among them; 'Gone', 'Golden', 'Don't Go' and 'Going Home'.

Before closing his set with "Going Home," he expressed his gratitude for the moment. "It's because we live within this confined amount of time, that we're able to find meaning," he says. "I've been trying to accept that a little bit more and be grateful for the little moments like this that I get to share with you guys right now."

On the official NPR Tiny Desk website, Xenia Manasseh is recognised as one of the three backup vocalists. She is identified as Xenia Karungu.

The Kenyan musical powerhouse performed alongside New Orleans native Josef Lamercier and UK-born singer Tasan Thompson.

A brilliant songwriter, Xenia has written for super successful international Hollywood acts such as Teyena Taylor and Big Sean.

She has also worked with internationally celebrated Kenyan boy band Sauti Sol and Miss Karun among others.

Back in September, the Alternative R&B star dropped her debut album, “Love/Hate Pt. 1" packed with 11 tracks of raw emotion and soulful melodies.

Additionally, the Berklee College of Music alumnus also got recognition from Apple Music as one of Africa’s ‘Ones To Watch’ in 2023 and was also picked for Spotify’s global EQUAL and RADAR ambassador programs.