DC's Ethiopian Songstress Wayna And Her 'The Expats' LP

Preview DC-based Ethiopian music songwriter Wayna's upcoming album "The Expats."

DC's Ethiopian Songstress Wayna And Her 'The Expats' LP


DC-based Ethiopian songwriter Wayna crafts hypnotizing songs built on her heritage and the influence of idols like Lauryn Hill and Bob Marley. Her vocal delivery, both delicate and robust, recently caught our ear in the previously featured softball clip for  "I Don't Wanna Wait." Below, Wayna's given us an exclusive preview of her upcoming The Expats album, "a reference to the contradictions that result from being raised and influenced by various cultures — contradictions that some would call abnormalities... but Wayna celebrates unapologetically." Stream and download the Ethio-dub "Echo," "Yo Yo," and "Time Will Come," which features a sample from Haile Selassie.

​Photo illustration by Kaushik Kalidindi, Okayplayer.
Poetry

The 10 Best African Poems of All Time

These are the lines that have woken imaginations and stirred souls across the continent and beyond.

The iconic couple Amadou & Mariam in each other’s arms, over an orange-designed background
Latest

African Songs You Need to Hear This Week

The best new African music this week featuring Amadou & Mariam, Victony, Kokoroko, Amaarae, and more.