Wayna Wondwossen: American Soul with Ethiopian Roots

By Veronica Henry

Wayna Wondwossen
Wayna Wondwossen

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… Read more >>