Kenya: Xenia Manasseh shares Phases single

The soulful track, released via The Orchard, is available for streaming and download on all major digital platforms.

As the first insight into Manasseh’s upcoming sophomore album Love/Hate Pt. 2, ‘Phases’ takes shape as a bittersweet exploration of love’s highs and lows, poetically highlighting the push and pull of understanding someone and being understood.

Across mellow R&B production, Manasseh’s mellifluous vocals tell a deeply intimate story about the fear of loss and the hope for reconciliation. “Do you really stick around just ‘cause of pride? / Or do you really think you couldn’t love me right?” Manasseh delicately asks in the song.

Accompanying ‘Phases’ is a slickly produced visualiser, which further enhances the intricacies of the track and features the in-demand editing work of TSE who has worked with Burna Boy, Ayra Starr and Taves.

Speaking about ‘Phases’, Manasseh said: “This song speaks to my current understanding of unconditional love and compassion. It revolves around the hope for a requited love with a purity I hadn’t discovered before. My hope for love used to be rooted in not being able to see myself, but here I have all the cards laid out on the table and can finally see things for what they are. The willingness to truly be patient rests on the sole condition that I’m met with unfiltered honesty and the realisation that unconditional love can only function where truth is the anchor.”

Since releasing her debut EP Fallin’ Apart in 2019, Manasseh has slowly won over listeners around the world – from Nairobi to London and LA to Lagos. Initially honing her skills at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Manasseh’s carefully curated soundscape of neo-soul and jazz is rooted in core R&B influences. This sets the scene for her vulnerable confessions, reflecting the complex interplay of emotions that define human connections.

The COLORS-featured artist has continued to make waves through her relatable and honest takes on love and life, delivered in musical moments like the recent Love/Hate Pt. 1 – Manasseh’s debut album, which sees her infuse her Swahili culture.