From Ethiopia to D.C. and from White House staffer to R&B singer. It goes almost without saying that the story of how Wayna got to the point she’s at today is quite unique. But the important thing is that she got here and we’re richer for it.

On her second release, Higher Ground, Wayna builds off her Moments of Clarity debut to deliver a strong sophomore effort where she explores the themes of love, disappointment and office politics. Always insightful and backed by a talented lineup of local producers, Wayna and her vocal talents represent the best of what the D.C. soul scene has to offer.

Visit Wayna online at: www.myapce.com/waynamusic

Find her music at: CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody or Kemp Hill Music stores

See her next at: Jazzy Summer Nights featuring Bilal in Baltimore’s Hopkins Plaza on June 5.

Questions for Wayna:

We read that you had previously worked in the Clinton administration. How long were you there and what did you do in that post?

I worked at the Clinton White House for 3 1/2 years. I started out as a researcher in the Office of Speechwriting, where I worked for the first African American to serve as a presidential speechwriter, and went on to work as a writer in the Office of Presidential Letters and Messages, where I wrote presidential proclaimations and commemorative messages regarding international relations, the economy, women’s issues and trade.

It seems to be a radical departure from the Clinton White House/political work to being an indie soul singer. Did you have a great epiphany about making this transition or was it something you were always planning? Or are you still working in that world?

No, I’m strictly an indie artist now and at the time it was a radical departure. I had graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in English and Speech Communication, and although I had always dreamed of being an artist, I put that on the back burner, mainly because my family had placed a lot of emphasis on education and becoming a professional. But even in that exciting work environment, I wasn’t fulfilled. Over time, it became increasingly clear that my real passion and my strongest talents were in music. It was a scary leap at first, because my family was so proud of where I was and where I appeared to be going, but I had to become the first person to really believe in myself, enough to risk everything I had been building.

Photo courtesy Wayna