American Jazzscapes in the Middle East - Artists
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MaseQua Myers

Wikipedia: https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/masequa-myers
Wikipedia Summary: MaseQua Myers is a multifaceted artist known for her work in theater, film, and music. While her primary focus has been on theater and arts administration, her collaboration with Jami Ayinde on the 1975 jazz composition "Black Land of the Nile" suggests an exploration of themes related to ancient Egypt and the Nile River. This work indicates an interest in connecting African American musical traditions with the cultural heritage of North Africa and, by extension, the Middle East. The composition likely incorporates musical elements that bridge jazz with African and Middle Eastern influences, such as modal scales or rhythmic patterns characteristic of these regions. Myers' involvement in this project reflects the broader trend in 1970s African American arts of exploring connections to African and Middle Eastern cultures. While her direct engagement with Middle Eastern themes in music may be limited to this collaboration, it represents an important intersection of jazz, African American identity, and the cultural legacy of ancient Egypt, which has long been a point of fascination and connection for many African American artists.
Born: 1953
Notes: Without more specific information about MaseQua Myers' work, it's difficult to comment on their engagement with Middle Eastern themes in music. As a jazz musician, they may have been exposed to various global influences, potentially including Middle Eastern music. However, without concrete examples or documentation, any connection to Middle Eastern themes in their music remains speculative.