Feature Article
Wayna - American Soul with Ethiopian Roots
by Veronica Henry
When did you decide what you wanted to do with your life? For some, maybe 18, for others, perhaps 30 and there are those that are still trying to find their true path. Imagine knowing what you wanted to do at age 6. Washington, DC R&B star Wayna knew just that, and in fact, proclaimed her destiny to be a singer in a letter to her father.
In search of better educational opportunities, Wayna and her mother immigrated from their native Ethiopia to America when she was just a toddler. Though they were in a new environment, her mother was determined to instill traditional Ethiopian values in her life. “I feel like I grew up in Ethiopia, in America,” Wayna says. “It was an interesting mix of two very different worlds.” Her gratitude for her mother's sacrifice is expressed in the song, Mama's Sacrifice from the CD, Moments of Clarity, Book 1.
Many of us can relate to the fact that we are reluctant to disappoint our parents and Wayna was no different. Instead of immediately pursuing a career in music, she opted for the more traditional route and obtained a degree in English from the University of Maryland. She then began work at the White House as a a writer for the Clinton administration. She looks back at the time fondly, recalling the intelligent people she worked with and the challenging environment.
As luck would have it though, her daily commute included a walk past a major music store. Seeing other musicians during in-store visits, helped keep the idea of pursuing a career as an artist alive. Soon, with the support of her family and friends, she left her job to pursue her real passion - singing. “I asked myself what are my true strengths and gifts, and I felt like those gifts weren't being applied in the job.”
Even though she'd recorded her first album before she made the decision to leave, the transition was not an easy one. Wayna recalls how during the first year, she struggled to say that she was an artist, for fear of condemnation. That reserve passed though and she hasn't looked back.
Las year, she traveled back to Ethiopia and performed in a new club called Harlem Jazz, located in the country's capital, Addis Ababa. It might surprise you to see a club in Ethiopia paying homage to jazz and Motown greats – pictures of Dizzy Gillespie, Marvin Gaye and Billie Holiday decorate the walls. “The younger kids are also well versed in Hip Hop and contemporary R&B,” Wayna adds.
An avid reader in college, Wayna is a huge fan of Alice Walker and Toni Morrison, for the strong and memorable female characters they create. You can see this influence in her own writing – songs eloquently reflecting strength and triumph. But nowadays, you're more likely to find her glued to MSNBC, keeping track of this years political race. The Barack Obama supporter, credits politics with providing her an escape of choice when she needs to get away from the business.
When asked about the message she most hopes to convey through her music, after a contemplative pause, Wayna says, “I would like people to see that the stories that we think are unique to us are a lot more universal than they feel. I thought my own experience was unique – I felt very different, but found that people of all races and backgrounds related to my story and it made me feel a lot less alone.” Her music is available on Amazon, CD Baby and in several independent music stores. She's also has several appearances scheduled at Fye stores in the DC area to help showcase the 2 songs from the new album.
Wayna's latest CD, Higher Ground (a tribute to Stevie Wonder) is due out in April. The first single, Moonlight Rendezvous is #5 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop charts and #22 on Billboard's Hot singles chart. Her success proves that the music consumer is ready for something other than the usual fare and the music industry should take notice.
For more information about Wayna, please visit her MySpace Page. You may also purchase Moments of Clarity, Book 1, by clicking on the link on the left.