Payne was born in Barbados and spent her early childhood in Christ Church, Barbados. As a young child, her parents, Ina and Clarence Payne, moved to New York City for school and work, leaving her behind in Barbados.
Payne's birthplace was Barbados, and she spent her formative years in Christ Church, Barbados. When she was young, her parents moved to New York City for work and school, leaving Payne behind in Barbados.