Today Nine5Four Magazine brings you Ayona coming out of Chicago. I first came across Ayona’s music through her PR Crystal Ermon over Twitter which made me YouTube Ayona and found out that she has good music, a good voice, and her look is up to par. In this exclusive interview with Nine5Four Magazine, Ayona breaks down how she decide to become a R&B artist, what her plans for 2011 are, and plenty more.

Nine5Four Magazine: I would like to say thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to sit down with us for this exclusive one on one interview. Let’s start this interview off by introducing yourself to the people that don’t already know who you are.

Ayona: My name is Ayona and I am the International Empress of Pop/R&B from Chicago.

Nine5Four Magazine: For those that are reading this interview can you share with us how long you have been singing professionally?

Ayona: I have been singing professionally since I was 5 years old, so about 16 years now. Nine5Four Magazine: What made you want to become an R&B singer? Ayona: I knew that I wanted to be a singer when I would sit in front of the television for hours and imitate artists such as Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Janet & Michael Jackson, & Anita Baker. I would perform their music for my grandmother and my mom, and they thought I had a natural gift for performing. Eventually they both decided to put me in vocal and dance lessons; soon after I was getting booked for paid performances.

Nine5Four Magazine: What do you feel you’re bringing to the R&B music scene and what separates you from the next new artist?

Ayona: I feel that I have my own individual sound, and vocally I haven’t been compared to anyone else. During my live and studio performances, I aim to present more than just a song or performance; I always try to bring the audience into a musical experience. I have been told that my live performances exemplify Theatre meets New Age urban music.

Nine5Four Magazine: How was the experience performing in Russia?

Ayona: My performance in Russia was very exciting and definitely an eye opener. I was a U.S. representative for an international competition called the New Wave Stars (similar to American Idol). There were other contestants from countries all over the world. It was really amazing to see how much everyone was influenced by American music, no matter what native language they spoke. I was very honored and blessed to be apart of the experience, and the performance opened my mind to more opportunities and ideas I would like to embrace in the future.

Nine5Four Magazine: You have a couple of strong single on your YouTube. The “Irrelevant” joint is hot and got over 8K in views. What’s the next single for Ayona?

Ayona: Thank you! I’m currently working on a new project that will be released in the summer of 2011. The single is coming soon near you, so stay tuned to my websites and Itunes!

Nine5Four Magazine: Its 2011 what are your plans for this year?

Ayona: My team and I plan to go much harder and do much more than TeamAyona achieved in 2010. This year we have a stronger look, a bigger team, more live performances, and we’re creating more of the same great music for my fans. I’m very excited to see what this year will bring!

Nine5Four Magazine: What is the best way for producers to contact you with for your next project?

Ayona: Producers can send their music to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Nine5Four Magazine: How can people get at you on Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, etc..?

Ayona:
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/ayona

Itunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ayona/id327479813

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/ayonamusic

YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MissAyona

Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/princessayona

Music Store:
http://www.nimbitmusic.com/ayona

Nine5Four Magazine: Any shout outs or last words for the fans?

Ayona: First I would like to thank God for all the blessings & opportunities that he has bestowed up myself and my team. I would like to give a shout out to my mother and grandmother (my management team Penny’s Pure Diamond Ent.), my stylists hair & wardrobe Ziff Anthony & Kielle Reyes, my producers Blaze & Digi, my writing team Aaron Gunn/ J Rome/ Karim Diane, my dancers Courtney/ DeAnte/ Caleb/ and Candice, my DJ Jamal Smallz, and Hip Hop Postal & Estaxx for creating “AYONA WEDNESDAYS”. The Most important shout out goes to my Luvs, fans that have supported me since the beginning of this journey & continue to retweet me on Twitter, tune into my YouTube channel, request me on the radio, attend my live performances, purchase my music on Itunes, etc. They are the ones that motivate me to keep going and creating the music that they enjoy. I love you all *MUAH* xoxoxoxoxo