Ainae (US)

Biography

Ainae is a Washington D.C.–based R&B/Pop artist whose Ethiopian, Black American, and Caribbean heritage infuses her soulful sound. A Season 20 contestant on The Voice (Team Kelly Clarkson), she crafts introspective lyrics inspired by icons like Jamiroquai, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill.

From writing songs at age eight to selling out Union Stage in D.C., Ainae’s path is defined by authentic artistic evolution. She was named an American Songwriter competition winner and performed as an official SXSW 2025 artist. Her breakout single “Weekend Lover” featuring Saint Ciré has garnered over 30,000 streams. She’s opened for Kyle Dion and shared the stage with Patti LaBelle at AFRAM Festival.

Her EP “Looking Glass” is out now, continuing her ascent as one of D.C.’s most radiant new voices.

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