WAYNA

About the Artist

Wayna is an Ethiopian‑born, Maryland‑based GRAMMY‑nominated singer, songwriter, and storyteller dedicated to using music and performance as vehicles for cultural connection and emotional truth. Her artistic goal is to create experiences that blend soul, R&B, jazz, and world influences with rich narrative and social awareness—bridging her African heritage and American upbringing to spark dialogue about resilience, identity, and belonging. Wayna’s qualifications are anchored by two decades of professional experience as a recording artist and touring performer. She has released three studio albums—Moments of Clarity, Higher Ground, and The Expats—and earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for her remix of “Lovin’ You (Music)” featuring Kokayi. A two‑time All Africa Music Awards nominee, she currently serves as an elected National Trustee for the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) and is the co‑creator of the GRAMMY Award for Best Song for Social Change. Her live performance career includes appearances at The White House, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Apollo Theater, Essence Fest, and major festivals and stages across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Wayna also toured internationally with Stevie Wonder as a vocalist on his Songs in the Key of Life Tour and other live performances, bringing her artistry to audiences around the world. In addition to her music work, Wayna has expanded into acting and film, starring in Peacock’s The Other Side and co‑starring in Here (2022), for which she also wrote and recorded the original song “I Won’t Answer.” Her creative storytelling extends seamlessly from stage to screen. Touring is an essential component of Wayna’s artistic practice. It allows her to share music as a connective, educational experience—collaborating with artists and audiences across Maryland and beyond. Through live concerts, artist talks, and workshops, she integrates performance and conversation to promote cultural understanding and inspire emerging artists. Touring supports her artistic mission: to engage diverse communities through music that moves hearts and challenges perspectives.

Artist's Statement

Music & Storytelling Keynote or Workshop (solo + multimedia, 45–60 minutes) Before becoming a music artist, Wayna earned a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication and worked as a government speechwriter. Storytelling has always been a central element of her stagecraft; and she often introduces or contextualizes songs with personal narratives that deepen emotional engagement. Integrating that approach into formal keynote presentations is a natural evolution of her practice. Her talks—woven with live music—focus on creativity, resilience, leadership, diversity, and emotional intelligence, enabling Wayna to share her artistic work through an educational and transformative lens. Wayna has presented her combined performance talks for community and professional organizations, including the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce in Silver Spring, the Ethiopian Student Associations of Johns Hopkins and the University of Virginia, women’s empowerment events, Africare’s annual conference, and the GRAMMYs Women’s History Month fireside chat. These experiences culminated in a TEDx U Street Women performance at the University of the District of Columbia. As a Maryland-based artist, Wayna frequently performs and collaborates with regional musicians, educators, and arts organizations. By strengthening her capacity to present meaningful, music-infused keynote programs, she is expanding her ability to engage Maryland residents through performances that inspire creativity, foster dialogue, and promote emotional wellness. The skills gained through her keynote presentations also allow Wayna to mentor emerging Maryland artists, engage audiences and deepen her impact as both artist and cultural ambassador—using music and storytelling not only for entertainment, but as a vehicle for education, empathy, and community connection.