Wayna is a GRAMMY-nominated, singer, actress, and writer who was born in Ethiopia and raised in the suburbs of Washington, DC. She worked as a Writer in the White House before releasing three solo albums, garnering two Billboard-charting singles and a GRAMMY nomination for Best Urban/Alternative Performance.

Wayna toured with the iconic Stevie Wonder as a vocalist in his live band, joining the Songs in the Key of Life Tour and various performances throughout the US, Canada, London, and Mexico. As solo artist, she has performed with her own band across the US and abroad – including shows at the Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Essence Fest, and the White House.

Most recently, Wayna starred in a new film opposite Emmy-nominated actor, Ethan Herisse (When They See Us). An official selection of TEN international film festivals in 2020, The Other Side is a fictional story set in Ethiopia that follows the lives of two orphan brothers. The project earned honors for Best Short at the Greenwich International Film Festival as well as the ‘One to Watch Award’ at the Academy Award qualifying Asian American International Film Festival.

In 2021, Wayna will release a new album and web series, entitled the Housewives of Zamunda – a loving but satirical look at suburban African housewives adapting to the western world.