Album Notes

Grammy Nominated - 2009
Lovin You (Music) featuring Kokayi nominated for Best Urban Alternative Performance

Sales Highlights:
Moonlight Rendezvous, 7 consecutive weeks in the Top 10 on
Billboard’s R&B/Hip Hop Singles Chart, Peak #3
Moonlight Rendezvous, 7 consecutive weeks in the Top 50
Billboard’s 100 Hot Singles Sales, Peak #12

My Love, 6 consecutive weeks in the Top 10 on
Billboard’s R&B/Hip Hop Singles Chart, Peak #2
My Love, 6 consecutive weeks in the Top 50
Billboard’s 100 Hot Singles Sales, Peak #18

Background:
With the release of her debut CD, Moments of Clarity, Book 1 (2005) Wayna solidified herself as an emerging singer/songwriter and a compelling and vivid storyteller. Since then, the Ethiopian native, whose musical style can be found between Minnie Riperton, Lauryn Hill, and Simon and Garfunkel has used her soulful voice and dynamic stage show to wow audiences, critics, and CD buyers worldwide. Essence Magazine proclaimed her as “one to watch.” Billboard magazine hailed her “a standout on the indie front,” and Stevie Wonder said she is “incredible.”

With her sophomore effort, Higher Ground, Wayna indeed reaches new and daring heights, experimenting with broken beat and progressive hip hop sounds, while remaining true to her roots in classic soul and contemporary R&B. Featuring performances from underground standouts Kenn Starr, Muhsinah, and Kokayi, and production from longtime collaborators Kev Brown and RoddyRod, Higher Ground offers a thrilling blend of infectious melodies, colorful lyrics, and dirty drums.

Standout Performances:
· The Vagina Monologues, December 2007, the Lincoln Theater (DC), with Star Jones, Sherri Shepherd, and Vanessa Williams.
· Save Darfur Rally on the Washington Mall April 2006 with Senator Barack Obama, George Clooney, and Russell Simmons.
· Opened for Fantasia, Common, Amerie, Bobby Valentino, Ashford and Simpson, and Chuck Brown.
· Performed at renowned venues throughout the country and abroad including The White House, SOBs (NY), Temple Bar (CA), Apollo theater (NY), Joe’s Pub (NY), the Lincoln Theater (DC), the Georgia Dome (GA), Sheraton Addis (Ethiopia), Harlem Jazz (Ethiopia), the 9:30 club (DC), the Carter Baron (DC), and Camden Yards (MD).
· FYE in-store tour throughout the East Coast, Spring 2008

What people are saying:
“She’s Incredible”- Stevie Wonder
“Wayna is one to watch.” - Essence Magazine
“A standout on the indie front.” - Billboard Magazine
"Lauryn Hill is a close comparison...Every track is a pleasure to listen to." - Music
Monthly
"Her smooth blend of pop and R&B will be right at home on the shelf next to Erykah
Badu, Zap Mama, and Destiny's Child." - World Pulse Magazine
“Her voice is unique, and I love her writing.” – Raheem DeVaughn