Ukweli & Xenia Manasseh - Lost

Since the release of her majestic 2019 debut tape, Fallin’ Apart, Xenia Manasseh has made a name for herself as an avatar of sorts for the musical eclectism that Nairobi’s alt scene has grabbed attention for, folding elements of shoegaze and electronica into her expansive style. She’s since brought her signature smoky vocals, lilting cadences, and forward-thinking soul-pop hybrid to collaborations with Tay Iwar (“STONES”), Juls (“Say You Love Me”), and Mr Eazi (“Cherry”). It is only right that Xenia’s 2022 project is another creative breakthrough, as she partners with talented producer Ukweli, for a five-song inquiry on desire.

Famed for his stripped-down approach to music-making, Ukweli’s minimalist sonic palette serves as the lodestar for Maybe, propelled by Xenia’s forthright songwriting and self-assuming candour. Across the project, Xenia delicately explores the depths of companionship and romance. “Étoile” is a haunting examination of loneliness blown up over a subterranean mix of piano keys and rolling percussions, while “Love Me or Leave Me” is a mellow plea for clarity. Even in the midst of all this emotional turmoil, Xenia still manages to powerfully channel the sheer heart-tugging allure and dizzying effect of attraction on the project’s titular track. “Lost” and “Circidian Riddim,” the pair of songs that close out Maybe are vibey, slow burners that offers a vision of a Xenia at peace with her choices.

[sir.lytes]

See I been through this before
But this ain’t nothing ordinary
Love like this feels like
It could last for lifetimes
It’s not enough it’s even more
love is really at the core
If you wanna crack the code
There’s so much to be explored
I wonder if you understand the magic
Finding what we found with all our baggage
Lot of people never even manage
To treat the damage
Don’t take for granted what
What people do out of passion
Changes their words and their actions
Driven by self-satisfaction
All in the name of attraction
See It’s Different
Think that we the same but nah we different
All that other shit yeah it’s irrelevant
when I’m not with you I’m out my element
I’m out my element
Pardon my benevolence
I know it gets a little bit repetitive
You know that a shawty hella sensitive
When it comes to you I’m never hesitant
Yeah yeah I’m
Lost
No GPS on my way
I’m

Lost
Nothing you do that can change that I’m
Lost
Lost in the sauce that you made me
Lost
Yeah I’m lost
Yeah

I can’t decide what’s wrong or right
It’s like I’m almost out of my mind
But there’s some shit you can’t define
One of a kind, across the line shit
I’ve heard that I come off a little bit aggressive
Mmh it’s subjective
And my thoughts are expensive
I hope you cash in this message
I got my heart on my sleeve and I
Won’t change a thing
This is all that I’ve known and
All that I’m trying to be is someone that you see in your future and beyond that
Say I’m all that you need
I’m for you you for me, I don’t doubt that
Yeah
I’m staying off track
Know I won’t find my way back
Cause I’m
Lost
No GPS on my way
I’m
Lost
Nothing you do that can change that I’m
Lost
Lost in the sauce that you made me
Lost
Yeah I’m lost
Yeah

[lilianmutheu]

I think she's got more hits than Nikita. I think the only people that appreciate her music are people that still love R&B and soul music.

[rewellankenua]

I've played this masterpiece an unhealthy number of times
Love it!

[khalantailoruwezi]

This is one the greatest artist of this generation

[AdventistHomemaker]

This is my fave song on the EP. Vibes and feels 💓💓💓