Experience a transformative sonic journey as Jamal R. Moore presents a live rendition of Ma’at Nadjartat Nun, the soundscape composed for the Black Earth Rising exhibition. This immersive performance features Moore alongside a dynamic quintet of musicians and performance collaborators, weaving global sounds into a vibrant exploration of humanity’s relationship with the Earth and the equilibrium we must restore.

The title Ma’at Nadjartat Nun draws from ancient Egyptian cosmology—Ma’at, the principle of truth and cosmic order, and Nun, the primordial waters of creation—inviting listeners to reflect on the sacred balance of the natural world.

Performance Tickets

The performance is free. Reservation is encouraged.

Reserve Performance Tickets

Black Earth Rising Tickets

Attendees and visitors are invited to purchase tickets to Black Earth Rising on its final day. Sunday, September 21 is the the last chance to see the exhibition before it closes.

Timed entry tickets to Black Earth Rising are required and must be reserved in advance at artbma.org/blackearth.

Purchase Exhibition Tickets

Event Details

Location: West Lawn

Schedule: 2 p.m. – Seating | 2:30 p.m. – Performance Begins (1 hour runtime)

Performers

Jamal Moore

Jamal R. Moore is a native of Baltimore Maryland and a multi-instrumentalist, composer/performer and educator. His background includes California Institute of The Arts (M.F.A. 2012), Berklee College of Music (B.M. 2005), Eubie Blake Jazz Orchestra (2000) under the direction of Christopher Calloway Brooks and historical acclaimed Frederick Douglass Sr. High whom notable alumni Thurgood Marshall, Cab Calloway, and Ethel Ennis graduated from.

Some notable luminaries Jamal has worked and recorded with are Wadada Leo Smith, Roscoe Mitchell, Nicole Mitchell, Archie Shepp, David Ornette Cherry, Tomeka Reid, Dr. Bill Cole, DJ Lou Gorbea, George Duke, Sheila E, David Murray, JD Parran, Ras Moshe, Hprizm, (Antipop Consortium) Tatsua Nakatani, Hamid Drake and the late Yahyah Abdul Majid (Sun Ra Arkestra). He is an affiliate of The Pan African Peoples Arkestra of the late Horace Tapscott, Black Praxis of David Boykin, and member of Konjur Collective.

Jamal currently leads his own groups, Akebulan Arkestra, Napata Strings, Black Elements Quartet, Organix Trio, and Mojuba Duo.

“As musicians we are healers of humanity and have a responsibility to cleanse dis—ease through positive tones, frequencies and vibrations. Music is the nucleus and universal language of the oversoul, mind, body and spirit.” – Jamal R. Moore

 

Melanie Dyer

Melanie Dyer is a violist whose creative practice is jazz/creative improvisation/composition, lit, and visual art. She’s performed with the Sun Ra Arkestra under Marshall Allen, William Parker, Tomeka Reid, Nicole Mitchell, and many others. She’s a Jerome Foundation Fellow and the leader of WeFreeStrings.

 

Warren Trae Crudup III

Warren “Trae” Crudup III’s drumming, described by The Washington Post’s Chris Richards as blending “the vibrancy of fresh firecrackers” with “a profound ceremonial depth,” showcases his unique artistry. Born in Dothan, Alabama, and raised in the DMV, Trae’s rhythmic roots formed at age three in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). Now in New York, he spans jazz, gospel, funk, go-go, and global styles, collaborating with icons like Edward “Butch” Warren and James Brandon Lewis. With bassist Luke Stewart, he forms BLACKS’ MYTHS, releasing Unknown Rivers in 2024. A UDC Big Band alum, Trae has lit up stages at the Guelph Jazz Festival (2018), Rewire Festival (2020), and Newport Jazz Festival (2024), forging a lasting legacy with each beat.

 

Nikolas Francis

Nikolas Francis is an improvising musician with a primary focus on the drum kit, integrating gongs, electronics, and small acoustic instruments. His music explores a broad range of improvised and experimental approaches to sound. Through topology.systems, he documents much of his solo work and collaborative projects. Francis performs with Jamal Moore in the Mojuba Duo, and with Mark Cisneros and Luke Stewart in the We Were Here Before trio.