Kenyan Rhythm and Blues (RnB) star, Xenia Manasseh, secures her inaugural Grammy nomination, marking a proud moment for the East African nation’s creative industry.
The talented artist has been recognized for her work on Teyana Taylor’s album “Escape Room,” which has earned a nomination in the prestigious Best R&B Album category at the upcoming Grammy Awards.
This achievement represents not only a personal triumph for Manasseh but also a breakthrough for Kenyan representation on one of music’s biggest global stages.
The nomination places “Escape Room” among an impressive lineup of contenders in Category 24, competing against notable projects including GIVÉON’s “BELOVED,” Coco Jones’ “Why Not More?,” Ledisi’s “The Crown,” and Leon Thomas’ “MUTT.”
The category honors albums featuring more than 75% playing time of new R&B recordings, highlighting the genre’s continued evolution and diversity.
Xenia’s contribution to Taylor’s album demonstrates the growing international collaboration in contemporary R&B and showcases the global reach of Kenyan musical talent. Her recognition by the Recording Academy underscores the universal appeal of her artistry and songwriting capabilities.
This Grammy nomination arrives at a particularly exciting time for the artist, coinciding with the release of her new EP. The timing of these dual achievements highlights Xenia’s momentum in the music industry and her ability to balance multiple creative endeavors simultaneously.
“1st Grammy nom!! Same day our new EP drops too? God is the greatest!!!!” Xeniah wrote on her Instagram page.
For Kenya’s music scene, this nomination represents a historic moment of international recognition. It opens doors for other East African artists and reinforces the region’s growing influence in global music conversations.
As the Grammy Awards approach, all eyes will be on whether Xenia and Taylor’s collaboration can clinch the trophy in the competitive R&B category. Regardless of the outcome, this nomination itself stands as a testament to Kenyan excellence in music and the country’s expanding footprint in the global entertainment landscape.
