Xenia Manasseh, the Kenyan sensational singer, collaborates with Ukweli, a seasoned producer, on the Maybe EP. This project reflects on different phases and emotions ranging from loneliness to lost love to finding oneself, among many others. Ukweli is a producer, visual artist, and DJ from Kenya. He is also one of the EA Wave (East African Wave) collective who has also played as a DJ in several festivals. Ukweli has been named a member of the YouTube Black Voices Fund and has produced songs for artists like Willow Smith.
The Maybe EP is Xenia’s second project after her debut EP “Falling Apart,” which catapulted her into the spotlight after its release. Xenia Manasseh, a Music Business and Management graduate from the Berklee College of Music, has become a name to reckon with in the world of Neo-Soul music. She explains her art as a fusion of inspirations drawn from other genres like jazz, R&B, and many others. Currently signed as a songwriter to the Atlanta-based label UCMG, Xenia has worked with quite a few creatives. She has co-written a song with Taylor Swift, and she has been a backing vocalist in Beyoncé’s all-female band. She has also worked with Mr. Eazi, Juls, and Karun, among others. Xenia also appears on the Ejoya class of ’22 project.
Ukweli and Xenia’s collaboration on this EP is like the compatibility of bread and beans, the beautiful amalgamation of Omelets and French fries in Chipsi Mayai.
Let’s dive into the sea of sensations on this project. It’s five (5) songs deep and 5ft high-surfable waves of emotions. Don’t forget to plug in your earphones for the best experience as the Maybe EP graces our Exclusive spotlight today.
Maybe EP- A Review
The Maybe EP opens with Étoile. The track is accompanied by deep pads, strings, and horns as Xenia’s vocals create a dreamy melodic ecstasy. Xenia speaks about loneliness and the need to find herself in serenity, while it speaks to her through the music. She highlights how people tend not to understand who she is. “No doubt, on my own, I’ll find who I am” is one line that resonates with me. The trumpet solo in between also plunges you into an inexplicable depth of resonance.
Maybe (unsteady), the second track on this project is the lead single, which was released on September 23, 2022. On this track, Xenia explores the “what ifs?” that surround the reasons why she finds herself deeply in love. She explains further, on the deep chords Ukweli delivers, her reasons for not considering love. Furthermore, she emphasizes the fact that she isn’t ready and is unsteady, but somehow love still finds her. This is my favorite track off the Maybe EP. I think I’ve caught the bug as well.
“Your shit was contagious.
Xenia Manasseh- Maybe (Unsteady)
I don’t know where I caught the bug but
You were the cure.
You are my antidote.
Still so surprising
Didn’t think love would find me.”
Is there trouble in paradise? In Leave Me or Love Me, Xenia urges her lover to pick a side—either leave her or love her. She still feels less than enough and is confused about what her lover wants; she needs clarity. The love is getting stranded, and the only choice is to let go and save what’s left in beautiful memories. While Leave Me or Love Me sounds like an early detachment process from the person she once loved, Lost describes the moment you begin to lose your senses in the spark of romance in a good way, though. It also depicts the moment when you become vulnerable in the presence of your partner and become a part of their future; lost in their sauce.
Finally, the EP closes with Circadian Riddim, a song that describes the need to guard oneself even while trying to be vulnerable in a new relationship. The last two songs on this EP were delivered on bouncy beats, perfectly showing Xenia expressing peace. One she has made with herself and her choices. However, she bares it all and admits her insecurities and fears. In addition, she seeks reassurance on Circadian Riddim. I mean, we all do at some point to know where we stand and what we mean to our significant other.
Before I finish,
Xenia Manasseh- Circadian Riddim
Will you tell me all the things you know I wanna hear?
Tell me you won’t disappear.
Do everything I can so I can keep you near.
I want you here
Closing Remarks
I must say, this is one of the top Neo-Soul minimalism projects I’ve listened to in a while. Ukweli was doing his thing on the production while Xenia delivered beautifully on the beats, creating a perfect blend of soul and emotion. They’ve both had quite a history working together, and the results have always been magical. I must also include that Xenia’s pen game is one to be studied. She writes how she feels and communicates it clearly with her exceptional vocal prowess and top-notch delivery.
If you need a project to drive your moments of introspection about life, love, and relationships and process certain emotions, a dose of the Maybe EP might just be all you need.
Listen to Maybe EP today- Maybe (EP) (lnk.to)
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