Xenia Manasseh continues to turn heads with her latest release, LOVE/HATE Pt. 2, a richly textured album that takes listeners on an emotional ride through love, loss and self-reflection.
Building on the success of her debut EP, 2019’s *Fallin’ Apart*, as well her debut album, LOVE / HATE Pt. 1, the Los Angeles-based Kenyan-Ugandan’s new project keeps her trajectory firmly pointed skyward, solidifying her place as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary R&B.
A graduate of the renowned Berklee College of Music, Manasseh has spent years carefully crafting a signature sound rooted in neo-soul, jazz and classic R&B. Her music is more than just melodies—it’s a space for honest confessions and raw emotions. Whether she’s exploring heartbreak or the complexities of human connection, her vulnerability is at the core of her artistry.
LOVE/HATE Pt. 2 showcases a unique fusion of Manasseh’s Swahili heritage with contemporary R&B elements, creating a sound that feels both intimate and expansive. Collaborations with African heavyweights like Mr. Eazi, Tay Iwar and Sauti Sol have helped her make waves, but her global reach is undeniable.
The 12-track offering dives deep into the intricacies of love and self-acceptance. Songs like “Dare You” with Waye, “Chxmistry” with Ukweli, and “Still Lose” with Hamza capture a wide range of emotions, from yearning to resolve. Album opener “Sober” immediately sets the tone, pulling listeners into the artist’s world where every lyric holds weight. By the time the closing track, “Phases”, hits, Manasseh’s exploration of unconditional love and compassion feels like a journey well-travelled. “‘Phases’ is a bittersweet take on love’s highs and lows,” she explains, “capturing that delicate push-and-pull of understanding someone and being understood.”
Tracks like “Bad Side”, meanwhile, dive even deeper into her personal reflections: “I’ve seen the darkest parts of myself [and] this song is about letting go, which is painful but necessary. Writing ‘Bad Side’ allowed me to express what I was too afraid to say out loud.” With its reflective lyrics and moody sound, the track is a cornerstone of the album, perfectly capturing the dualities of love and hate.
Another standout, “Fire”, the third single from the album, brings an explosive energy. As the name suggests, the song channels rage, inspired by real-life events. Manasseh doesn’t hold back, confronting her anger and channelling it into one of her most powerful performances yet.
LOVE/HATE Pt. 2 is now available on all streaming platforms, continuing Xenia Manasseh’s rise as a soulful storyteller with a global perspective.
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