Born Woyneab Miraf Wondwossen in Ethiopia, R&B singer Wayna began performing as a child once her family moved to Maryland. After touring with a children's music review company, Wayna continued to sing in college as a part of a gospel group. Upon graduation, Wayna began a professional career as a writer for the White House under the Clinton administration but eventually realized she would not be happy in any career outside of music. Thus, the singer began singing contemporary R&B, earning a Grammy Award nomination in 2009.
