Nasir Dickerson, BA, MA, Saxophonist | Kora Player | African Flutist | Composer | Producer | Recording Artist |
Emmy Award-Winning Music Educator

Nasir Dickerson, BA, MA, is a multifaceted musician, composer, producer, recording artist, and Emmy Award-winning music educator. A skilled saxophonist, kora player, and African flutist,Nasir is a student of the late greats Charles Bowen, Robert “Bootsie” Barnes, and Leon Mitchell, and is presently under the tutelage of Cullen Knight. Nasir is the leader of the jazz sextet The Renaissance Messengers and Life Light Empower. He also serves as the Artistic/Music Director of The Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble. In addition to his musical accomplishments, Nasir is a World Champion 7th Degree Master Black Belt in the martial arts and has been inducted into three Halls of Fame. Throughout his career, Nasir has performed with an extraordinary range of acclaimed artists, including Lauryn Hill, Dave Chappelle, Erykah Badu, Doechii, Daniel Caesar, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean, YG Marley, Zion Marley, Eric Roberson, Flo, FoggieRaw, Mannywellz, Angie Stone, The Legendary Roots Crew, vocalist Bilal, Questlove, The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, Samara Cyn, vocalist Maysa, Akua Naru, Miki Howard, Jeff Bradshaw, rappers Beanie Sigel and State Property, Stalley, The Legendary Stylistics, The Intruders, the Philadelphia Eagles, and many more.
He has also opened for legendary jazz greats, including Dr. Donald Byrd, Robert “Bootsie” Barnes, Wallace Roney, Jimmy Heath, the Cyrus Chestnut Trio, Duane Eubanks, Jymie Merritt,  Mickey Roker, Stanley Wilson, Sid Simmons, and more. In 2011, Nasir, alongside his family’s organization, The Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble, performed in the Lionsgate film Warrior, starring Nick Nolte.
As a multi-instrumentalist, Nasir has released three albums that showcase the many dimensions of his creative artistry: Let It Shine, The Revealer, and Journey to Fatherland. Each recording reflects his versatility and commitment to exploring the breadth of his musical voice. Nasir also serves as the band director for the Little Jazz Giants. Through his work as a performer, educator, composer, bandleader, director, and martial artist,
Nasir Dickerson continues to cultivate a legacy rooted in music, culture, education, discipline, and creative excellence.