Wayna (Woyneab Wondwossen) is an Ethiopian-born, Grammy-nominated R&B singer. (Courtesy photo)
Tadias Magazine
By Tadias Staff
Published: Sunday, October 19th, 2014
New York (TADIAS) – The David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center in New York City has hosted some memorable shows featuring Ethiopian artists this year, including DC-based-Bandleader Hailu Mergia, the NYC screening of Difret, and now Grammy–nominated Ethiopian American singer and songwriter Wayna who is scheduled to perform here this coming week. Meklit Hadero is also on the list of musicians invited to perform next Spring.
Wayna, who is promoting her latest album The Expats, will take the stage on Thursday, October 23rd along with rising hip hop artist Akua Naru. “Wayna’s newest album represents a departure from her previous work. Named as an homage to its Toronto-based backing band and internationally born production –team contributors hail from Ethiopia, Japan, Israel, Germany, Jamaica, and India —- the album draws from diverse influences to create an alternative environment where Sade and The Police meet Lauryn Hill and Radiohead,” the announcement states. “Wayna’s lyrics continue to push the envelope, addressing thought-provoking subject matter including racial and economic inequality, love, individuality, and life choices.”
“I’ve always been a bit of an expat,” says the Ethiopian-born artist. “I want this album to be about exploring and expressing all the ways in which I and every one of us are unique, culturally or otherwise, and to celebrate those differences unapologetically,” she adds. “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”
If You Go:
Wayna & Akua Naru
When: Oct. 23 at 7:30
Entrance: FREE (Sponsored by Target)
David Rubenstein Atrium Lincoln Center
New York City
www.lincolncenter.org
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