WAYNA: Moments of Clarity - Book I

Wayna

Moments of Clarity - Book I

© 2004 Quiet Power Productions (825346715629)

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

A fusion of classic soul, jazz, hiphop and R&B.

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notes

"Her voice reminds me of Syreeta's...She's incredible." Stevie Wonder

"Moments of Clarity is a compelling and varied chapter of contemporary R&B...Wayna is one to watch. " Essence Magazine

"Lauryn Hill is a close comparison...Every track is a pleasure to listen to." Music Monthly

"With stellar songwriting, engaging lyrics, and magnetic vocals, "Moments of Clarity" can easily be re-dubbed "Moments of Greatness," and there are plenty of those moments on this project." musesmuse.com

"The quality of this project is so real. "Moments of Clarity" is a ground breaking release that is sure to encourange, equip, strengthen and rebuild the uncompleted." Nu Flav Magazine

"After hearing her heartfelt harmonies, listening to these lucid lyrics, any woman must wail out in wonder, hail to this powerful poet, this prophetess of positivity...the girl is good." Indiemusic.com

"She's a refreshing alternative to an ever so diluted music industry." Digital-DJs.com

"It won't be long until [the album is] being mentioned in all of the places where quality soul is the only topic of conversation." Funkjunkiez.com

"Wayna is as much a poet as she is a singer -- and she has these wonderfully visual lyrics that are a great contrast to some of the sweeter sounds of the Neo Soul generation."
Dusty Groove America

"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

BIOGRAPHY

It has been said that Ethiopian-born, singer/songwriter Wayna posses a voice that is as sweet and pure as it is honest and passionate. This young talent's love for music started as a child, when she starred in theater productions like "Annie," and "Damn Yankees" and toured with a children's musical review company. Wayna went on to hone her vocal talents as a young adult by absorbing the works of her favorite artists, including Minnie Riperton, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, and Donny Hathaway.

While in college, Wayna was crowned Miss Black Unity of the University of Maryland in 1995, earning a one year tuision scholarship and special honors for "Best Talent" and "Best Response to Question" at the 17th annual pageant. The following year, she founded a gospel quartet and performed with the group at the World Famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY, where they placed as finalists in the Amateur Night competition. She traveled with the critically acclaimed University of Maryland Gospel Choir and regularly performed at churches and gospel showcases throughout the East coast.

After earning a Bachelor's degree with a double major in English and Speech Communication from the University of Maryland, Wayna began her professional career as a Writer in the White House for the Clinton administration. But soon, the pull to realize her dream as a recording artist would prove too great. She left to concentrate on her music full-time. Since then, Wayna has collaborated with legendary studio icon/producer Bill Laswell, with critically and comercially hailed producer Eran Tabib, Jive Records producer, Veit Renn, and former Touch of Jazz standout, Kev Brown. She is a featured vocalist/co-writer on on the Sly and Robbie album, Version Born released by Palm Pictures and also featuring contributions from Killah Priest, Black Thought, and N'dea Davenport. She's also served as a featured vocalist and writer on a number of independent projects for artists, including W. Ellington Felton, Kenn Starr, Kev Brown, Cy Young, and Tamara Wellons.

Wayna has recently opened for a number of internationally recognized artists on the DC leg of their respective tours, including Fantasia, Amerie, Common, Bobby Valentino, Jaguar Wright, Kindred, and Chuck Brown. She's performed and headlined at renown venues such as the White House (DC), the Temple Bar (CA), the Apollo Theater (NY), the Lincoln Theater (DC), Joe's Pub (NY), Dream Nightclub (DC), the Black Cat (DC), the 9:30 club (DC), Bohemian Caverns (DC), Takoma Station (DC), the Ashford and Simpson Sugar Bar (NY), and the George Dome (GA).

reviews

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  • author: tennyson butler

    sick!(means amazin)im from the uk

  • When is album 2
    author: Nathan John

    Absolutly brilliant album and great service from CD Baby. My favorite track is Slums of Paradise

  • author: Mutiyat Ade-Salu

    I play it all day. Favorite is Desperation Days.

  • WE NEED MORE WAYNA!
    author: E. Bland

    It's great to hear a fellow artist with smooth sounds and a meaningful message in all of her songs. This CD is phenomenal!

  • WONDERFUL STYLE OF MUSIC
    author: SHA

    CD BABY HAS VERY GOOD SERVICE AND THIS SELECTION OF MUSIC WAS GREAT.

  • Great
    author: Cherry Hardaway

    Great Service. Like the CD.

  • Real music! Natural Talent! Inspiring Lyrics! A Rarity!
    author: Angela BT

    I'm so sick of the popcorn hip hop/R&B music presented with no talent and lyrics about sexing someone up. This is classy and can be enjoyed by a span of generations.

  • Sophisticated Soulfullness
    author: Heather R. R.

    Another must have cd for music lovers. Her voice is sweet and soulfully different, she's also a great songwriter. Every song on the cd is exceptional. I can't wait for her to drop a new cd.

  • author: jade

    wonderful! "secret identity" is amazing.

  • This album continously plays in the office...
    author: Don Cox

    This album is always playing in the office and in the car and I love it more and more each time I hear it. - Don Cox, Publisher & CEO/iRoster Magazine

  • Loved it! One of my fave artists!
    author: Tonya

    This is one of my best purchases on CD Baby. I really love Wayna's voice, production and songwriting. My favorite tracks are: "Secret Identity", "Rose-Colored Glasses", "Desperation Days" and "Doubting Destiny" But honestly, I love every track. I highly recommend this CD! Can't wait for the next one! :-)

  • Luvin' it!
    author: Butterfly El P

    I can't beleive I didn't get this cd earlier, where was I? I play this cd all the time, in the house and in the car. I'm trying to spread the word to all my friends. Please do more concerts in DC!

  • Great voice. Wonderful music. I think my car doesn't move with out your music anymore.And meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee singing and singing with you. I am already waiting for the next cd.

  • VERY Professional
    author: Nisey

    This CD is on constant replay in my car. From start to finish, it is a very professional, nicely produced, amazingly sung CD. You will simply love it. Buy it! Now!

  • Strong like Coffee
    author: EternalGood

    Diggin Your style and loving the sweet sounds that come from your stong soulful voice

  • Fulfilled!
    author: DJ Come of Age

    The cd is beautiful, a masterpiece in itself. It's now a permanent fixture in my playlists, a sure bet to bless the masses. Looking forward to sharing this vibe with the world. Absolutely fabulous! COA

  • Fresh perspectives on modern soul
    author: Evan Dowling

    A great soul album. Wayna sings with a freshness and a crispness of perspective that makes this entire album a great hang!

  • So deep and mesmerizing
    author: Homie

    The sheer flow of her voice combined with the depth of her messages has a hypnotic spell that almost stops your heart......

  • This is nice!
    author: kymmie kym

    I really like this CD. her voice is unique!

  • Fresh voice
    author: Ricky

    Its very rare that you get fresh offering from an artist from Africa.... very refreshing sounds and the re-edition of Bob Marley's song is awesome..love it

  • author: nusoul

    I was very pleased with this CD. Wayna has a beautiful voice and singing style. Her songs are well-written. I definitely got my money's worth, and I'll be checking for future music by Wayna.

  • Beautiful music.Music you can keep in rotation always.
    author: bugface

    Beatiful variety of flavorful music. I enjoyed the entire CD. One song flowed into another. I hope WAYNA will get her moment in the sun. Music well worth the listen.

  • can't stop singing your songs!
    author: veronica

    I listen to your cd in traffic (1 hour) every morning! Singing along to Moments of Clarity keeps other drivers safe (I'm not screaming obscenities)! Money well spent!

  • Indeed a Natural Talent
    author: Dweezy

    I heart Wayna. This CD is off the charts. Great production with a even greater voice!! WOW!! Dwizzle

  • Had a hard time finding the CD, but I am enjoying the smooth sound
    author: I. Parkman

    Wonderful lyrics and just so easy to listen to. Very smooth and just put you in another state of mind. Love it.

  • UNBELIEVABLE
    author: The_Great

    Wonderful CD. I love the production and different styles used throughout. Very smooth and conscious without trying to push it. Looking forward to the next cd.

  • oh yeah sweet chocolat
    author: canyue badonkadonk

    oh yeah oh yeah keep singing and i'll keep jackin it oh yeah oooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh yeah.........

  • what a find - thanx Wayna
    author: Bobbie

    I came across this cd by chance and what a pleasure - g8 voice, musicians and lyrics - thanx for making this soul boy from London happy.

  • What a surprise
    author: Jazzface

    I've never heard of her, before I got it recomended here on cdbaby. I heard her tracks and it blew me away. Her beautiful soul voice,and the amazing production by Kew Brown. The song "So long heartache" is one of the best songs I've heard the last years.. I'm so glad I found her!

  • author: Chantell

    This CD has been playing all day everyday in my room to the point where my roommate had to borrow it. This album is beautiful. Rarely can you find a CD where you can listen to track 1 to the end without skipping. This is a must have CD. Can't wait to see what is next Wayna. -Very Satisfied Customer

  • author: mr poteat

    Loved her at Takoma Station...and love her more on this excellent CD. Glad this artist took flight on CDBABY...because I absolutely loved their customer service.

  • author: joyce

    such a surprise but it is just great .. somewhat like jill scott but that is o.k.. because the sound is unique... great great .. what is next.. read the review in essence.... and followed up....

  • Can't wait for album #2! Just as good as in concert
    author: BabsinNC

    The CD was Excellent with undertones of Jill Scott and Erika Badu. I play this CD all the time at home and at work, when I'm in the mood to just groove; this CD delivers all that.

  • One of the year's top 5 R&B albums
    author: Cedric Tillman

    What a pleasant surprise. I hate I missed Wayna- I've been in grad school in DC for the last 2 1/2 yrs and never heard of her though she calls that area home. I bought a cd on CD Baby and was sent recommendations and listened to this CD. Wayna has such a diversity of work on this album. The sound of the songs are so different from track to track. It's very neo-soul, and then she comes with the "Exposed" joint, which shows how she could easily transition into a contemporary R&B style with her voice. (It's not often you get a potential club banger off of a "neo-soul" album.) Alternately, "Redemption Song" is basically unaccompanied except by guitar, which allows us to just hear her sing. She has a unique voice- not a whole lot of vocal histrionics (which I happen to like) but she's solid, and never misses a note. I love every track- no skips, just play straight through, but I especially love "Exposed"- that is my knock joint for the car ; "Rose Colored Glasses," the soulful remake of "Redmeption Song," "Mama's Sacrifice," and "Slums of Paradise". Really deserves a little more than 4 stars... I am totally heartbroken that I missed Wayna's concert here in Charlotte- I was just broke. I hope to catch her sometime, maybe if I visit DC sometime, if she never comes back to the Queen City.

  • Great!
    author: TP

    This is CD is definitely one that I would title "true R& B" and not the lolipop stuff that is played constantly on the radio. Thank for the words and music that is trully soulful.

  • Did someone say "a breath of fresh air"? like "WHHOOSH!!
    author: Kraig King

    Man, Did someone say "A breath of fresh air"? Man , like "WWHHOOSHH!!! one of the best cd's I've heard in a long time.Every song is diverse and takes you on a journey.I'm gonna make sure everybody I know knows anout Miss Wayna!!!and i'm gonna order the cd asap!!Make sure you all visit her site and check out the live videos,she is off the hook!!!

  • WOW!
    author: Dr. Ronny Smith

    Unbeleivable voice! Love it!

  • a magical journey wayna is heaven sent
    author: phillip

    surprisingly refreshing and innovative music,im glad i bought this profoundly gifted artist, redemption song and this old grudge are standouts !

  • author: BrazilianBro

    This Cd is incredible! Such a smooth melodic sound with great lyrics. Wayna is the complete package. One Love...

  • will you marry me and sing 2 me everyday?
    author: thorobred

    i would give this one 10 starz but they dont have that feature here. i love your cd. this is what needs to be in rotation around the world. blessings to you

  • Wayna, You Are WONDERFUL!
    author: Charla

    I am really feeling just about every song on this CD. I'm usually more into a singer's voice than the lyrics since I sing also, but when I actually paid attention to the words, I was really impressed and inspired. Your voice and the music/tracks go so WELL together. I don't even think I could pick an all time favorite track from this CD. But one song did stick out in my mind which is Slums of Paradise. It touched me; I almost want to cry when listening to it. Keep up the good work and I am definitely waiting on the next project!

  • Good CD
    author: CC

    I found about about thos CD through fertile grounds website. I love the sons slums paradise and the song mamma. I think the feeling of this cd is real. Hope to hear cd on 88.9

  • Magnificently Refreshing
    author: Ktrinaj

    I loved the sound and the vibe she delivers on this CD. It is a compilation of styles that will have you embarrasing your self in the car as you sing to such melodic tunes. Brilliant!

  • Damn, Damn, Damn
    author: ethio_soul

    To me this is the best female artist that I have heard this year....solid album....you definitely did your thing!!! Way to rep Ethiopians around the globe on this one.....my favorite joint on the album is "Doubting Destiny"..kev brown is sick!! also "Slums of paradise" Kinda took me back on that one....Take care

  • Definitely on the list for album of the year.
    author: Alfie Da Funkjunky
  • Younger, more ambitious Gigi type of music
    author: Kidus Alem

    This album is really really cool. I was introduced to this young lady in a wedding show on tv. She was really beautiful and now I find out she is also very talented. In her CD, the last song, which is a cover of the great Bob Marley is prehaps the best cover I have heard in a long time. Even though the album if on the market, its very unfortunate that she is off the market.

  • Hot Fire!
    author: Shonda

    Wayna's Moments of Clarity is a breath of fresh air. I love it! Can't wait to see these songs climbin the charts! It's going to be hot fire!

  • author: Berhane

    Putting Ethi on the map! Go on girl I feel in some way proud cuz this is what ive been waiting for musicaly from the motherland I always knew it was possible but now it has been done plus the production is on point, Im feeling this though the first rap on the first song was kinda weak but Wayna backed it up so that u can't say s!@#t bout it! Im looking forward to tours coming to the UK! and the next album! Peace

  • buy this album you will not be dissapointed
    author: david ...............uk

    solid album , great voice.....not one bad track.gets better with every listen.......a name to watch

  • Such a beautiful talent and voice....
    author: Samuel Getachew

    This album is one of the better CD's I have bought in a long time. It's fresh and the voice of the artist is both breathtaking as is her beautiful abesha face. Her CD is such a gift to us all and I will always be greatful for that!

  • A Beautiful Album From a Beautiful Lady!!!!!
    author: Multiple Man

    Wayna....I was just looking for some good music on CDBaby and I came across you! And then I saw that you are a Washingtonian like myself, so I HAD TO SUPPORT YA!!!! BIDALOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Your album is just simply infectuous! I love it! I definitely see star quality in you, baby girl! It's nice to see real talent coming outta DC! Lord knows we need to be recognized! Me and you need to do something together! I wouldn't mind you singing on my next jont! And I would be more than happy to rhyme on your next jont! Your album is soothing, captivating, and it makes me proud! My favorite songs on your album are, "Exposed" featuring Cy Young, "So Long Heartache", Rose-Colored Glasses", and my all-time favorite on YOUR WHOLE SHIT is motherfuckin' "Slums of Paradise"!!! That song right there is BEAUTIFUL!!!! I already put that song on repeat in my CD Player! Other albums that you will truly adore from DC that's right here on CDBaby are: Shambhala -- The Lotus Of..., D en'D Productions, Funkmatixx -- Smoke and Mirrors, and Multiple Man -- The Multiplexxx! These albums will fill you with joy just like your album has filled me with joy!

  • Love it!
    author: Bas van Veen

    Because of this kind of cd's I love cdbaby.com Just beautiful.

  • Fresh
    author: Angel

    Realy fresh and clean. I gave 4 stars because I know the best is yet to come. Im rely feel'n Mama's Sacrifice! www.cdbaby.com/angelmucic

  • Its Much Fiyah!
    author: X-Ray

    Hey Ma Like your style its great to hear someone from DC that sounds so professional and clean.

  • Fire!
    author: Eric IQ

    You are the future.

  • dope album!!!
    author: gemineye

    the production was on-point. her delivery was on-time. and i'm definitely on-board with the other reviewers....all around dope album!

  • WAYNA - AWESOME!
    author: Dough Boy

    The independent circle gets bigger in DC with artist like Wayna, Raheem Devaughn, Mia Miata, Ellington Felton, and a whole lot more... This a CD you must have bringing you jazz with a blend of hip hop. Very creative!

  • Opus Magnific!!!!
    author: Mia Miata

    Wanya you possess the voice of a conscious angel, the soul of a flawless flower, and the lyrics of a proud sister. Thank you for this wonderful work. Beautiful from start to finish. I would love to work with you. Excellent job, and continued success. Peace and Love, Mia :)

  • top shelf
    author: moonrakerblack@aol.com

    you are a fool if you say that you've got a slammin' cd collection and this is not a part of it. wanya you are the caramel in the much needed chocolate bar. thank you for the sweet music!

  • Wayna, is adds wonderful new voice to R&B Soul
    author: Jay M

    Wayna is adds a fresh new voice to R&B and soul. I highly recommend her new CD.

  • Excellent!
    author: Gary F

    What a solid debut, She has a style of her own, only critism, is redemption song, as she didn't need to cover it as her own material stands on it's own, but it's one CD I can pop in the player and listen to from beggining to end without touching to skip button!!

  • Excellent!
    author: Gary F

    What a solid debut, She has a style of her own, only critism, is redemption song, as she didn't need to cover it as her own material stands on it's own, but it's one CD I can pop in the player and listen to from beggining to end with touching to skip button!!

  • Top class cd
    author: Tom UK

    I can't add much more than has already been said, but I want to just say I enjoyed the cd and love the track mamas sacrifice, this track is one of my favs of the year. I hope it won't be long for a new cd.

  • DC has a lot to be proud of
    author: Natural Mystic

    I have tracks 9 "Secret Identity" and 12 "Redemption Song" on continuous rotation in my car. The rest of the CD I have on continuous rotation at work amongst Santana's Supernatural, The miseducation of Lauryn Hill and India Arie's Acoustic Soul. Great CD.

  • Simply WOWfull
    author: Yoadan

    Every song on this CD is just amazing. Can't skip any track. Just put it on and it will set the mood for you. Whether gossiping with your girls or romancing your man - her voice will take you there! Can NOT wait for her next release.

  • OOOOWEEEE!!!
    author: SpikeDawg12

    I LOVE IT, I LIKE IT, IMA DIE WITHOUT IT. U HAVE A BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT AND IT POURS OUT THROUGH YOUR MUSIC. I'M A SEVENTIES "STaRCHiLD" AND I FEEL YOUR VIVACIOUS VIBES PENETRATING tHrouGh THE COSMOS WITH ITS EPERVESENT FUNK. CAN U DIG DAT :> ? yeA.

  • Amazing stuff!
    author: Crystal

    Amazingly sweet yet powerful voice--what's the word--mellifluous. It flows through you like a spell. I caught myself crying to the Redemption Song cover. I just put the whole cd on repeat for hours at a time and cycle through all the moods, from happy and hopeful to sexy and soulful to poignantly moved. Incredible music!

  • Phenomenal! Something for everyone!
    author: Ms M.

    There is something for everyone on this CD! Lovers of hip hop, jazz, old school, soul. Move over Jill Scott and Erykah Badu! Pulsating beats, melody, insightful lyrics and inspiring harmony, genius arrangements. Phenomenal. Very soulful. I find myself humming and singing the songs long after I've turned off the engine and left the car.

  • Yeah, she can sing...
    author: Savvy

    I saw Wayna perform at Takoma Station in D.C. and I was just blown away. The lady can sing, her lyrics are good, great songs, she is soulful & talks about real life,(not Pop crap). She is absolutely beautiful too. I hope she makes it big/far & not get lost in this era of nonsense-making-junk music. She's got IT.

  • Simply wonderful. A must buy CD.
    author: Dave Ghatt

    This CD is simply wonderful. If you are into Neo-soul, then this is your cup of tea. Wayna's voice forms a perfect union with the soothing, groovy, and hip musical tracks. In addition to Wayna's sweet voice, and the lovely accompanying beats, this CD also moves you from a lyrical standpoint. A must-buy CD.

  • author: Renee

    Please join in a warm round of applause to welcome to the world it new singing sensation, Wayna. What a wonderful, intiguing, crafty ensemble of lyrical genius, impressive production, and a true God-sent voice shining through. What a moment of clarity! I haven't stopped playing it yet! The rendition of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song"...amazing. Just think, she didn't even have to shake a tail feather to sell her genius. Bravo!

  • Flawless
    author: Josh Montana

    Flawless is how I describe this CD. Great Job !!!

  • Incredible,Amazing,Exciting,Deep,mesmerizing..etc
    author: Addis

    I have bought the CD after I heard her on the stage during the cd release party.I can only say she was amazing!!!Her voice is haunting and liberating.You can actually relate w/ some of the songs she sang that night.I can only see her w/ hits after hits and breaking the barrier for all singers w/ african background,espcially for Ethiopians.I am glad she released the most anticipated cd.Congratulation for the great album and hard work you have done in your new cd.

  • Production is so tight.Vocals are beautiful.
    author: James Williams

    This cd is damn near perfect.The production is so tight.Her delivery is incredible.Vocal arrangements,beats,subject matter,everything is tight.I am impressed!!!

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