Azza al-Maila (?–c. 707)

Arabian composer and songstress. Name variations: (nickname) Maila. Date of birth unknown; died around 707. Was taught music of the older days by Ra'iqa and learned Persian airs from Nashit and Sa'ib Kathir; composed many songs in the Persian idiom.

Azza al-Maila was a Christian freed woman of Medina and one of the most important professional musicians of her era. Her protector and patron was Abdalla ibn Ja'far. His protection was necessary because music was a pleasure forbidden to Muslims, and some accused al-Maila of leading the populace into moral degeneration. This derogatory attitude toward performers is reflected in al-Maila's nickname Maila, which some said was given for her eye-catching gait; others said, however, that the name came from milaye, which means cloak. Al-Maila was accused of wearing a cloak so as to disguise herself as a man and indulge in drink. Despite her detractors, she was an immensely popular musician and people gathered at her home weekly to hear her concerts. The first singer from Hejaz to sing in rhythmic cadences, al-Maila accompanied herself on the mizhar (skin-bellied lute), the mi'zafa (psaltery), and the oud (wooden-bellied lute). In addition to Persian airs handed down through the centuries, she also composed many songs. Azza al-Maila was the forerunner of other Arab musicians who enjoyed great popularity throughout the Muslim world.

John Haag , Associate Professor of History, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia