New York mayor says he has listened to Pakistani rapper for several years
NEW YORK: New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has included Pakistani singer and rapper Shamoon Ismail among the artists featured on his current music playlist.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Mamdani said he had recently been listening to Ugandan duo Radio & Weasel and Shamoon Ismail, along with other artists.
“I’ve also been listening to a Pakistani rapper named Shamoon Ismail, who I’ve listened to for a few years,” Mamdani said.
Who Is Shamoon Ismail?
Shamoon Ismail is known for blending Punjabi, Urdu and English in his music and has developed a following in Pakistan and internationally.
His popular tracks, including “Tuntuna,” “Rung” and “Confetti,” have gained millions of streams on digital platforms.
Mamdani’s mention of the artist brought renewed attention to Ismail’s work among audiences in Pakistan and abroad.
What Is Mamdani’s Connection to Music?
Before entering politics, Mamdani was involved in hip-hop and performed under the names Young Cardamom and Mr Cardamom.
He stepped away from music after entering electoral politics and winning a New York State Assembly seat in 2020, representing Queens.
Mamdani has continued to report limited royalty income from his music career through official financial disclosures.
He previously performed with childhood friend Hussein Abdul Bar during a music festival in Uganda in 2016. He also contributed to a song connected with Queen of Katwe, a film directed by his mother, Indian filmmaker Mira Nair.
During his 2025 mayoral campaign, Mamdani referenced hip-hop culture in a campaign video featuring Wu-Tang Clan member RZA.
Mamdani’s public acknowledgment of Shamoon Ismail highlights the growing international reach of Pakistani contemporary music.