Kenyan R&B Star Xenia ManaKenya is beaming with pride after R&B sensation Xenia Manasseh received her first-ever Grammy nomination. The Nairobi-born artist was recognized for her contribution to Escape Room, a project by American singer Teyana Taylor, which earned a nod in the Best R&B Album category at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Highlights
- Xenia Manasseh earns her first Grammy nomination for Teyana Taylor’s Escape Room.
- The Kenyan star contributed as a songwriter and background vocalist.
- The nomination coincided with the release of her new EP MAYBE II.
- Fans and fellow artists flooded social media with messages of pride and excitement.
- Her recognition marks a major moment for Kenyan music on the global stage.
Main Story
A Milestone Moment
Kenyan R&B artist Xenia Manasseh has officially joined the list of Grammy-nominated musicians after contributing to Escape Room an album by American star Teyana Taylor. The project has been nominated for Best R&B Album at the upcoming 2026 Grammy Awards.
Xenia, credited as both a songwriter and background vocalist, took to Instagram to share the news with gratitude and disbelief, writing:
“My 1st Grammy nom!! Same day our new EP drops too? God is the greatest!!”
Her heartfelt message quickly went viral, with fans and artists across Kenya and beyond celebrating the achievement.
Putting Kenya on the Global Map
This nomination isn’t just a personal victory it’s a win for the entire Kenyan music industry. Xenia’s rise highlights how East African artists are increasingly influencing global sounds through collaboration and creativity.
Music fans have praised her for pushing the boundaries of Kenyan R&B and setting a new standard for international recognition. Her work bridges local authenticity with global appeal, inspiring a new generation of artists to dream bigger.
The Perfect Timing
The Grammy nod arrived the same week Xenia dropped her much-anticipated EP MAYBE II. The project, described by the artist as “a continuation and evolution” of her musical journey, blends soulful melodies with raw emotion showing just how much she’s grown both as a performer and songwriter.
Industry watchers say this alignment of milestones shows that Xenia’s artistry is not just flourishing it’s flourishing at the right time.
With her name now among the world’s best, Xenia Manasseh has proven that Kenyan talent isn’t just rising it’s ready to shine on the biggest stages.
