From the motherland to the DMV, the Ethiopian-born singer/songwriter Wayna possesses a voice that is as sweet and pure as it is honest and passionate. She is, self-described, “a woman who cares about women’s issues, a woman who tells stories through her music and just a woman who wants to grow and inspire like everybody else.”
The songstress found her passion for music at a young age. As a child, she performed in productions such as “Annie,” “The Boyfriend” and “Damn Yankees.” She also toured with a children’s musical revenue company. The songbird grew up listening to remarkable artists like Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway and Aretha Franklin.
Wayna graduated from the University of Maryland, earning a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Speech Communication and English. Her first job in her professional career was as a Writer in the White House for the Clinton Administration. Although this was an outstanding accomplishment, Wanya had the desire to fulfill her dream as a recording artist. Eventually, she ended up leaving to focus on making music full-time. Since then, Wayna has worked with notable producers such as Bill Laswell, Eran Tabib, Viet Renn and Kevin Brown. She also was a featured vocalist and writer for independent artists like W. Ellington Felton, Ken Starr, Kev Brown, Cy Young and Tamera Wellons.
Furthermore, Wayna has had the opportunity to open for a variety of major recording artists such as Fantasia, Common, Amerie, Chuck Brown, Bobby Valentino, Jaguar Wright and Kindred. Not only has she opened for other artists but she has headlined and performed at well-known venues around Washington D.C. including, the White House, the Black Cat, the Lincoln Theater, Dream Nightclub, Bohemian Caverns, 9:30 Club and Takoma Station. Outside the DMV, she has performed at the Apollo Theater (NY), Joe’s Pub (NY), the Temple Bar (CA), the Georgia Dome (GA) and a venue in Ethiopia.
With her hard work ethic, Wayna has released two studio albums, Moments of Clarity (2005) and Higher Ground (2008). Her passion and determination to make good music has been recognized by many. In 2009, Wayna was nominated for a Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for her song “Lovin U (Music)” off her sophomore album Higher Ground.
DMV Unplugged had the opportunity to catch up with Wayna at the start of the New Year. She is currently working on a few projects. The first project is an album of collaborations, something similar to a mix tape. It’s in the works at the moment but will be released this year. One song off the mix tape is “Billy Club Remix” featuring Wale. “I plan on releasing a music video for the song which will feature DMV comedian Uncle Buck” explained Wayna. The second project is a tribute to Billie Holiday. It will be recorded live at the famous Chung King Studios located in New York. This will be her second tribute to Billie Holiday. She performed last year and it was such a success that she was offered another opportunity to perform.
Wayna does plan on releasing another studio album in the future. She explained that this album will be different than her previous works. She plans on working with only one producer from the DMV, to make the project more intimate; and she will write all the lyrics then have him produce each track.
Aside from those two projects, Wayna also is scheduled to perform at more venues. She will perform with Eric Robinson on January 26, 2010 at Rams Head Live. In addition to that, she has several other upcoming performances lined up in the DMV area.
Stay tuned to DMV Unplugged for Wayna’s performance details.
