Kenyan singer-songwriter Xenia Manasseh has received her first-ever Grammy nomination for her contribution to Teyana Taylor’s album Escape Room, which has been nominated in the Best R&B Album category.
The milestone comes just days after she released her latest EP, MAYBE II.
Taking to Instagram to share the news, the Niambie singer wrote, “1st Grammy nom!! Same day our new EP drops too??? God is the greatest!!!!!!” In a video accompanying the post, Xenia appears teary with happiness and jokingly says, “I feel like a meme.”
In her caption, she reflected on the emotional moment, writing: “Slide #3 is me last night trying to process… @kvnhrtlss I’m still stuck at us being from the same 2 countries to this. Together? God is so good. Nairobi r&bbbbbbb!!”
The Asali singer also shared a screenshot of the nomination list with the caption, “Congratulations on your Grammy Nomination.”
Reflecting on her new project, MAYBE II, Xenia described it as a step forward from her earlier work, saying, “MAYBE II sees Xenia Manasseh stepping out of the haze of MAYBE and opening a new window. Where the first project turned inward, this new chapter mostly looks outward.”
The “Anticipate” singer received an outpouring of congratulatory messages from Kenyan and international artistes, including Safari singer Bien-Aimé Baraza, Ghanaian artist Moliy, Mwaki hitmaker Sofiya Nzau, Baadaye singer King Kaka, and Miss Universe Kenya 2021 Roshanara Ebrahim, among others.
Fans also celebrated the achievement on social media. Maria Mureithi wrote, “I said it once, and I’ll say it again! YOU DESERVE A BUNCH OF GRAMMY AWARDS!!!
Congratulations, Xe!” Another fan, Mals World, commented, “I’m so happy and proud. Like I’m about to show you off to my Canadian friends. Wee ngoja tu.”
Instagram user Wamzz added simply, “Look at youuuu.”