Joy Keys chats with Ethiopian American Singer Wayna

Wayna (known by the real name Woyneab Miraf Wondwossen) is an Ethiopian-born American R&B singer.

It has been said that Grammy-nominated, Ethiopian-born, singer/songwriter, Wayna has a voice as pure as it is passionate. Stevie Wonder says "she's incredible." Essence Magazine says she is “one to watch," and Billboard Magazine calls her "a stand out on the indie front." With two Billboard chart-topping singles from her sophomore LP, Higher Ground, and a coveted Grammy nomination in the Best Urban/Alternative Performance Category for her remake, “Lovin You (Music)" featuring Kokayi, Wayna's star is on the rise. 

"The Expats" is the third and latest LP from this innovative artist and represents a new and daring departure from her previous work. The project is named after its Toronto-based backing band and production team hailing from various parts of the world -- Ethiopia to Japan, Isreal to India, Germany to Jamaica. Drawing from diverse musical influences, Wayna and the Expats create a unique blend of African and Reggae-inspired soul, fused with classic and alternative rock -- Sade and the Police meets Lauryn Hill and Radiohead. This new sound, which Wayna calls “world soul” was the result of a creative journey, jamming, writing and recording with “the Expats” in Toronto over the past 2 years. 

The Expats is available on ITunes and Amazon now.

Wayna on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waynamusic