Singer-songwriter Grammy-nominated  Wayna is featured in today’s Essence.com‘s “New & Next” series.

“Ethiopian-born American singer Wayna describes her eclectic sound as a ‘blend of international sounds and soul music.’ the mag writes about the Maryland native who is currently 7 months pregnant while promoting her 3rd studio project. “Best known as a hip-hop soul artist (her remake of Minnie Riperton‘s “Lovin’ You” earned her a Grammy nod in 2009), Wayna was ready for a musical change for her third album so she called to her cultural heritage to create a sound she describes as ‘world soul.'”

In the video listening session, Essence asks its readers to “listen in as she sings ‘Send It Away’ from her current album, ‘The Expats.’Let us know if you’re loving Wayna as much as we are.”

Wayna and her husband Kyle Stephen are expecting their second child within weeks.  The couple are parents to 2-year old Beza.

We love the new project which is available on iTunes and record stores nationwide! Take a look!