Ayanna Williams is an R&B singer, musical theater actress and lyricist. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Ayanna Williams’ love of music and performing came at the early age of 11 when she started writing and performing her own songs. Her interest in performing musical theater peaked during her junior year at Cardinal Spellman High School where she performed in Ragtime, Pippin and Godspell.

Ayanna continued cultivating her performing talent in The City College of New York while also working with a vocal coach on developing her style.

Outside of school, Ayanna performed in well-known shows such as Once on this Island, The Wiz and most recently In the Heights at the Irvington Town Hall Theater in New York where she played the role of Daniela. As she belted out the song “Carnival del Barrio”, several audience members commented that they could feel the spirit of Celia Cruz in the room.
If diversity is what is needed, Ayanna is the synonym of versatile. Performing as a backup vocalist for aspiring rap artist and the up and coming rock band The Radio Bandits, she has brought her soulful voice to urban music as well as a “Tina Turner” presence to the Rock genre. While being diverse in her sound, Ayanna’s love is R&B.

In 2011, she put her writing flair out for the public to taste when she released her first mixtape, “Only the Beginning” which combined hip hop beats with such soulful melodies as “The Perfect Sip”, “One Mic” and “Just One Kiss”.
Determined, poised and genuine are the three words that come to mind when Ayanna describes herself. These are the qualities that she intends to bring to her music. “I want to bring music that keeps the legacy of Motown and the spirit of the great performers that paved the way for us,” she says.

Fans describe her voice as “A voice with a gritty sound reminiscent of a Gladys Knight, Ella Fitzgerald.” Ayanna is totally devoted to building her music and establishing herself in the music world.

As Quincy Jones so eloquently stated “I started imagining this whole different world. It was a society of musicians, a family I hoped I could belong to one day.” Ayanna is looking forward to also belonging to part of the musical family.
Ayanna is currently working on making a music video, as well as releasing new music for her fans to enjoy. Introspective, Entertaining, and Get Up and Dance music, look out world here she comes!

Soundcloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/ayanna-williams