Felony Charges Dropped Against Grammy Nominated Singer Wayna

Ethiopian-born singer Wayna who was nominated for a Grammy for her song “Lovin You” for best urban/alternative performance, as previously reported,  was thought to have brought a baton intentionally while going through security at a Houston airport on Wednesday morning (March 25). The singer was arrested and charged with a third-degree felony and released on a $5,000 bail Thursday (March 26).

Reportedly the singer had just got off a mini-tour and had just left SXSW and was heading to Miami to perform and attend the Winter Music Conference on the morning of Wednesday.

Luckily the Washington, DC based singer’s felony charges was dropped Friday, however she was still charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.

According to Wayna, she forgot the baton was in her carry-on bag, along with CD’s, makeup and other materials that she carries to her performances. The baton, according to a statement, is used in a prop for one of her songs “Billy Club”  off her album “Higher Ground” which speaks on police brutality.

“The senior prosecutor recognized the case for what it was: an honest mistake that did not rise to the level of a criminal offense,” Wayna stated.

The singer goes on to state, “Based on the facts, that was undoubtedly the correct decision, and we are thankful for that decision.”

The singer calls the experience life-altering and says that she is relieved and grateful.

“… the past 48 hours have been life-altering,” she said. “I’m incredibly relieved and grateful that it’s over and that justice prevailed.”