Kenya’s Xenia Manasseh steps into the EQUAL Africa spotlight
Since her arrival on the Kenyan music scene in 2019, artist Xenia Manasseh has captivated fans with her vocals and her songwriting pen, and this month, she is being recognised for both as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa ambassador for February.
The R&B 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 Tenyana Taylor, Sauti Sol, Mr. Eazi, Tay Iwar, and Burna Boy.
The Spotify EQUAL Africa programme seeks to provide female artists with the support and resources to grow their craft and reach worldwide audiences through multiple playlists. The beneficiaries also receive off-platform guidance and tools to help take their music careers to even greater heights.
“Being a part of the EQUAL programme is an honor. 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 says of her inclusion in the programme and on the EQUAL Africa playlist.
“Xenia is a rising star – and not just in her home country. The EQUAL programme looks to support talent just like hers and give women the tools and the platforms to grow their audiences and advance their careers in the music industry,” says Spotify’s head of music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu.
