Xenia Manasseh named named Spotify Equal Africa’s February ambassador

Kenyan R&B and Soul singer Xenia Manasseh is this month's Spotify Equal Africa ambassador, the global music streaming platform announced on Monday.

Manasseh, who boasts of hits such as ‘Lowkey’ and ‘See Me’, joins Nikita Kering’, Muthoni Drummer Queen and Silvia Ssaru, who have previously been named ambassadors of the Equal Africa programme.

Spotify Equal Africa provides female artists with support and resources to grow their craft through multiple playlists.

Since her arrival on the Kenyan music scene in 2019, Manasseh has captivated fans with her vocals and her songwriting pen.

The singer-songwriter released her debut EP Fallin’ Apart in 2019, and has also racked up an impressive CV of writing credits and features with other artists, including work on projects by Teyana Taylor, Sauti Sol, Mr Eazi, Tay Iwar and Burna Boy.

"I'm honored to be recognized for my input and for my voice especially in a male-dominated industry. I'm honored to be a part of any programme that is built on inclusivity. Navigating this industry would be more difficult without platforms like these that seek to highlight that great art is great art no matter the source,” Manesseh said.

The singer, who grew up thinking she would pursue a career in professional football, says music is a form of self-expression to her.

“I didn’t realise making music was a part of my purpose until around 2019. After spending six months in Atlanta writing music almost every day, it became clearer and clearer. My why is because it is my purest form of self expression. Our gifts are given to us for free and I believe the most important thing we can do is to lean into that wholeheartedly,” she said.

She names Nameless, Nazizi, Khadja Nin, Brenda Fassie, Lady Jaydee, Youssou N’dour, Mzee Ngala and Oliver Mtukudzi as some of her earliest influences growing up.