Listen to Xenia Manasseh’s new single Anticipate

‘Anticipate’ – now available for streaming and download – is the second single off Xenia’s upcoming debut album LOVE/HATE PT. 1 set for release on 1 September.

From the heavy drum, bass and percussion combination at the start, to the laid-back but impactful orchestral flow in the second half, the new song showcases Xenia’s vulnerability in a simple yet profound storyline, complementing Karun’s haunting vocals. The track’s lyrics take on the uncertainty of a relationship that no longer feels the same.

Ahead of the release, Xenia said the making of ‘Anticipate’ was fuelled by two friends being honest to each other. “It came from a place where Karun and I were afraid to tap into an emotion we have both experienced and we admit it,” the singer said. “‘Anticipate’ is a song about wanting to move forward from a current state of uncertainty by chasing the feeling of what it used to be.” In this moment of vulnerability, she admits to finally wanting to be done with love that is temporary or fleeting.

‘Anticipate’ follows the success of Xenia’s recent single ‘Temporary Love’, and like many of Xenia’s songs it lives both in the future and in the past, sonically and in meaning. 

Xenia has a vision to create music that is relatable, honest and a true reflection of her life, values and experiences. This concept transcends into her upcoming 11-track body of work. As Xenia’s debut album, it is beautifully curated, with songs produced with the finest of detail, and features collaborations with the likes of Tay Iwar and Shalom Dubas. 

With lush vocals and intricate songwriting, Xenia has worked with global stars such as Teyana Taylor, Big Sean, Mr Eazi, Tay Iwar and Sauti Sol, among others.

This year, she was named by Apple Music as among ‘Africa’s Ones to Watch’, and her 2022 EP Maybe was featured as Release of the Month on the platform. Spotify has also added Xenia to its global EQUAL and RADAR ambassador programmes.