Drag’s Egyptian Queen By Way of NYC, Ana Masreya hosted and produced the crowd-pleasing NEFERTITTIES for awhile before disappearing from the scene. Now, she’s back and ready to be better than ever. [Cover photo: Regan Rabanal]
Thotyssey: Ana, hello! Thanks for chatting with us today! How is 2026 treating you?
Ana Masreya: Hi Thotyssey! My 2026 has been wonderful so far. Trying my best to stay warm!
Yes, the weather is awful! Have you remained in NYC since you left drag, or did you get to bounce around for a bit?
I bounced around quite a bit. My break was quite long — four years! Between 2022-2023, I spent some substantial time in the Middle East visiting family and reconnecting with old friends. When I got back to the US, I went to stay with my mom and stepdad for a little in Connecticut. Since then, I’ve traveled to The Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Panama and The Maldives to explore another passion of mine: scuba diving.
Much to discuss it seems, so we better get right to the beginning! Is the Middle East where you’re originally from? And, what sort of art and interests / influences did you grow up with that may have ultimately put you on the drag path?
Yes! I am originally from Egypt; I was born and raised in Cairo. Gah, there are so many things that influenced my art and who I am that put me on the path for drag! I am so influenced by luxurious Arab women. All the aunties I grew up around. My grandmas especially were, and are, so glamorous. They were big influences for my drag persona. All the Arab pop star divas and belly dancers I grew up listening to and watching on TV — Haifa Wehbe, Sherine, Nancy Ajram, Elissa, Fifi Abdoh — our pop and actress versions of Cher, Whitney and Celine Dion, for example.
Gorgeous! Was there any sort of safe space or support for you to pursue drag in Egypt, or did you have to go elsewhere for that?
I was actually very in the closet when I was growing up, and when I lived in Egypt. I didn’t start exploring my sexuality until I moved to the USA, and I came out a few years later. Drag came long after that, when I moved to New York City in 2018.
I recall when I first started seeing your shows being promoted, you were one of a very small number of Middle Eastern born drag performers that were visible and active in NYC. Today there are many more kings and queens in the city with Middle Eastern heritage. But what was it like building a drag career in the City when that cultural community was so small?
It felt very special and unique — almost like filling a much needed niche in the market. Audiences from all backgrounds responded so positively, and with so much love. NEFERTITTIES (my party) will always be a very special place to me because it creates a safe space where people from all backgrounds are welcome and feel included, whether they are gay / queer or not, whether they are from the region or not, whether they have seen drag before or not. NEFERTITTIES is very unique, extremely diverse, and such an eclectic night.
How might you describe what your own drag has been like over the years, as far as the looks you like to serve and the numbers you like to do?
I think it’s my embodiment of a love letter to my heritage. Where I am from. Where I came from. My background. All the things I miss about home. She is very posh, elegant and regal. I am very meticulous and detail oriented. I create all of my own outfits, and I hold myself to an extremely high standard of perfection when it comes to Ana Masreya. She’s very glamorous and fashionable. I like to present looks that you could see on a runway. A photographer friend of mine, Regan Rabanal, who is a makeup artist and director at Tom Ford — and just did my most recent photoshoot — said the look I had created for this upcoming event reminded him of something Bob Mackie would have made in the 80s.
The numbers I like to do are very high energy pop-girl routines. I always have backup dancers. We spend hours rehearsing and choreographing. I like to do a mix of Arabic numbers and English numbers to make sure everyone in the audience is involved and is part of the number. I love to get off the stage and join the audience… to be a part of the crowd who is there to support me. Interact with them. Break the fourth wall.
“NEFERTITTIES” reoccurred successfully for a stretch, and then you stepped away from drag for a long time — four years, as you said. Can you speak to why you chose that, and what were some epic things that happened since you left?
You know Thotyssey, I can summarize it down to the fact that I was very young when I started all of this. I hadn’t even been doing drag for very long before I started gaining a big following and developing a public image. My life started changing drastically. I needed some time to grasp what was happening, and assess if it was what I really wanted for my life.
I’ve had a lot of really incredible things happen during my break. I worked a corporate job in Manhattan, and managed a wedding venue in the West Village. That was super awesome — it definitely enhanced my knowledge on producing events, and made me an all around more knowledgeable and successful event producer.
I traveled. I went on solo trips with myself. I went diving with sharks. I saw turtles and dolphins. I jumped out of a plane in Costa Rica. I fell in love, or so I thought, and had my heart broken. I reconnected with people I hadn’t seen in years. I’ve made friends and lost friends. I’ve grown up. I witnessed history being made right here in New York City, with the first Muslim mayor. I got really close with my sister Rify Royalty, another Egyptian drag superstar in Brooklyn. So many incredible things and I’m so lucky and so blessed to have experienced and lived through all the highs and the lows.
And then what ultimately inspired you to come back to drag?
I could not stop thinking about her. No matter what I did, I could not stop thinking about her. I couldn’t stop thinking about being on stage. The power I feel. The rush it gives me.
It’s a power like no other! So you’re resurrecting NEFERTITTIES this Saturday at The Sultan Room! What do you think it’s gonna be like returning to drag after all this time, and what might this revamped party look like?
I think it’s going be fabulous. Many people are coming to the party to witness the historic return. I’m expecting around 500 people. There has been a lot of talk over the years about what happened to Ana Masreya, where is Ana Masreya, where is NEFERTITTIES, we miss NEFERTITTIES, we want NEFERTITTIES! I needed my time.
The party is totally revamped, and I’m centering it more around a dance party instead of just a “show.” there will be nine DJs playing at NEFERTITTIES across two rooms. Sounds from all over the region and beyond. My best friend from childhood is flying in from LA to do a special DJ set. The support is incredible.
There is music all night long, even during my show. If someone wants a break from the show, they can go to the other room and dance. If someone wants a break from dancing, they can come into the main room to see the show. I want people to have their own unique experience, and navigate around the venue on their own terms and see the artists they want to catch. I’ve tried my best to bring a little something for everyone, and have the crowd on their feet all night long.
Do you have any Ana plans after this weekend, or is it one day at a time situation?
After this weekend, I plan to sleep! I haven’t slept or had an easy mind in months between producing the party, creating the outfit, or practicing my make up, bringing Ana Masreya back to life. I’d like to mention that I’m extremely thankful for everyone who has supported and NEFERTITTIES over the years, especially during my hiatus. It means the entire world to me.
And yes! There are plans for Ana. She plans on going national. But I’ll keep this vague and mysterious for now.
We love a mystery! Okay lastly… are you watching Drag Race this season? If so, who are you rooting for to win?
I’m rooting for Valentina forever and always.
But of course! Thanks, Ana!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Ana Masreya’s upcoming events, and follow her on Instagram and LinkTree.
Thotyssey 