“They Tried to Bury Me” — Wadena Drops ‘Bum Busta’ With Grammy Winner Zaytoven After Decade-Long Industry Feud, Brain Injury Recovery & Father’s Death
As Black History Month closes and Women’s History Month begins, a comeback story rooted in resilience, loss, and legacy is unfolding.
The industry might want to pay attention.
R&B singer Wadena has officially stepped back into the spotlight with her new single “Bum Busta,” produced by Grammy-winning Atlanta heavyweight Zaytoven — and the early numbers are turning heads.
Released on Valentine’s Day, the record made immediate impact:
- 10,000+ YouTube streams within the first 24 hours
- Nearly 25,000 YouTube views in under 72 hours
- 13,000+ streams on Spotify
- 10,000+ streams on SoundCloud
- Continued traction across major digital platforms
For an independent artist who previously struggled to surpass 1,000 streams, the surge marks a significant shift.
“This is organic. No label machine. Just resilience,” Wadena says.
A Decade of Industry Tension
Wadena says she spent over ten years navigating industry disputes tied to past songwriter credit conflicts involving Grammy-winning superstar Alicia Keys.
“For years, every time I tried to relaunch, something would collapse,” she says. “But talent doesn’t expire.”
She says the shift in today’s independent music climate has finally allowed her to reconnect directly with supporters.
Personal Battles Behind the Comeback
While navigating professional setbacks, Wadena was also fighting deeply personal battles.
The singer recently recovered from a brain injury while supporting her father, who was hospitalized in a brain ICU on Long Island, New York, after suffering severe injuries in an incident at a Hilton-branded hotel that was reported in the news and described as involving racial discrimination. He later passed away on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025, following a prolonged health decline.
“That season almost broke me,” she says. “But it built me.”
Enter “Bum Busta”
Produced by Zaytoven — widely recognized as one of Atlanta’s most influential hitmakers — “Bum Busta” delivers bold energy, sharp lyricism, and unapologetic comeback confidence.
With over 1,000 songs written, Wadena says her return during the transition from Black History Month into Women’s History Month feels symbolic.
“As a Black woman in this industry, resilience is part of the story,” she says. “This moment means something bigger.”
“They tried to bury me,” she adds. “But I grew.”
The question now isn’t whether she’s returning. It’s whether the culture is ready.
“Bum Busta” is now streaming on all major platforms.
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