Carolyn Plummer Ayana is a celebrated songwriter and pioneering force in jazz fusion, known for her profound contributions as a spoken word artist, composer, poet, playwright, musician, music producer, and captivating performer. A true contemporary minstrelist, Ayana has collaborated across multiple genres with legendary artists, including Stevie Wonder, Phil Upchurch, and Bernard “Pretty” Purdie. Her original songs have been performed by iconic figures such as Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, Diana Ross, Quincy Jones, and Nina Simone, placing her among the most respected voices in modern music.

Ayana is a classically trained pianist, accomplished guitarist, and percussionist, as well as a passionate music educator and children’s media producer. With decades of experience in broadcasting—hosting influential radio shows like All Young Artists Need Attention on WPFW and Ayana’s House on Howard University Radio—she has used her platform to spotlight emerging talent and advocate for underserved communities. Her acclaimed children’s music video productions under Roostahood Ayana Wave and the release of her hit CD Sunlight of My People reflect her commitment to artistic excellence and social impact.

In 1985, Ayana launched the Classroom Hip Hop Healing Therapy Program, a groundbreaking initiative using spoken word and music to help inner-city youth build self-esteem. Her innovative teaching strategies earned national recognition, including a feature in Howard University’s Journal of Education. Ayana’s “I Like Myself Rhymes” continue to uplift and inspire young people across the country.
Inspired by collaborations with Maya Angelou and Dr. Frances Cress Welsing, Ayana developed Ayana’s Songbook, a television series aired on the ABC Network, showcasing her unique approach to children’s media. Her writing—lyrical, rhythmic, and spiritually resonant—has been compared to both Thelonious Monk for musical originality and Maya Angelou for poetic depth. Her spoken word pieces often evoke vivid imagery, profound emotion, and transcendental experiences among listeners.

Her latest collection, Where’s My Check, blends motivational self-talk with commentary on historical and political realities. With a distinctive style she calls EbonGLISH—a fusion of Standard English and African American Vernacular—Ayana writes in the living language of today’s spoken word, hip hop, and pop culture. This hybrid form brings authenticity, accessibility, and power to her work.
Ayana’s influence spans generations and genres. Her artistry, activism, and educational vision position her as not only a musical pioneer but a cultural treasure—a voice of truth, healing, and transformation.

Praise for Ayana
“Ayana is the saving salt of the earth mother who taught me to play piano and find my real ‘voice.’ She’s a genuine reggae woman, vibrating like a mystic!” — Stevie Wonder
“Ayana’s daring, adventurous chord progressions are a composer’s dream. Arranging her music is both challenging and rewarding.” — Quincy Jones
“Ayana’s talent knows no boundaries. She’s an artistic wonder.” — Maya Angelou
“She’s a musical force from the cosmos… a live wire. The best all-around female performer I’ve ever met.” — Nina Simone
“She is the real Queen of the Jazz Fusion Movement. I had to steal her drummer!” — Miles Davis
“My first out-of-body experience happened while listening to Ayana’s ‘Mr. Spain.’ She resides on the other side of the sky.” — Aretha Franklin
“Ayana’s melodies are syncopated, provocative, and completely unique. A joy to perform!” — Charlie Byrd
“Ayana is like a magnet for kids. They think she’s Michael Jackson!” — Esther Phillips