Musical Mondays--Wayna

photo courtesy of africanloft.com

Today on “Musical Monday,” I want to introduce you to another local artist (local as in the MD,DC,VA area) who is on her way, Wayna. She is an Ethiopian-born singer/songwriter that has very interesting twists as she began pursing music.

At a very young age, Wayna knew she wanted to be a singer, and she displayed her talent in various theatre productions such as “Damn Yankees” and “Annie,” along with touring with a children’s musical review company. As she grew into a young adult, her musical favorites were Billie Holiday, Donny Hathaway, Minnie Riperton, and Stevie Wonder.

While attending University of Maryland College Park, Wayna founded a gospel quartet and performed at the world famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York; they were finalists in the well-known Amateur Night competition. In addition, she traveled with the critically acclaimed University of Maryland Gospel Choir and performed at churches and gospel showcases regularly, up and down the East Coast. Wayna was also crowned Miss Black Unity of the University of Maryland in 1995. This earned her a one-year tuition scholarship and special honors for “Best Response to Question” and “Best Talent” at the 17th Annual pageant.

Away from her music, Wayna became a writer in the White House for the Clinton administration after earning her Bachelor’s degree in English and Communication from University of Maryland. More sooner than later, the magnetic pull that she shared with music took over, she ended up leaving the White House to follow her dream of becoming a singer.

And that’s all she wrote.

Since then she has released two albums, her first in 2005, Moments of Clarity and Higher Ground in 2008. Wanya has also worked with an array of people including but not limited to Fantasia (singer), Bill Laswell (producer), Eran Tabib (producer), Chuck Brown (DC’s own Godfather of Go-Go), Amerie (singer), and Jaguar Wright (singer). She has also performed at the White House, Apollo Theater, the Lincoln Theatre, the Georgia Dome and more.

After you listen to the playlist, I’m sure you’ll agree that Wayna is a pleasure to listen to. Although she’s a slight newcomer on the Indie music scene, the combination of her lyricism and her appealing vocals command your attention.

Resource Links:
Wayna's Site
Wayna's Myspace

wayna