New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has revealed that he has been listening to Pakistani singer and rapper Shamoon Ismail for several years. He shared the comment while discussing his current music preferences in an interview with Rolling Stone.
Mamdani said he is currently listening to Ugandan duo Radio & Weasel and Pakistani artist Shamoon Ismail. He added that singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves is his preferred choice when he wants more reflective music.
Read more: After long break, Shamoon Ismail signals comeback
The mayor’s comments highlight his appreciation for artists from different cultural backgrounds. Born to a Ugandan father and an Indian mother, Mamdani has often spoken about embracing diverse cultural influences.
Meanwhile, this is not the first time Mamdani has publicly expressed support for South Asian music. Following his election victory, he drew attention after leaving the stage to the Bollywood song Dhoom Machale.
Additionally, Mamdani has previously named artists including Taylor Swift, Jay-Z, Kim Petras, and Indian-American rapper Heems among his musical influences. He has also credited Heems with inspiring his interest in politics.
Read more: After being a fan of Danyal Zafar, Sushmita Sen gives Shamoon
Shamoon Ismail remains one of Pakistan’s most popular independent music artists. His recent releases, including “Used to It,” “Alone Together,” and “VOLUME,” have attracted significant attention from listeners.
Therefore, Mamdani’s endorsement adds international recognition to Shamoon Ismail’s growing global audience. The remarks also reflect the increasing visibility of Pakistani music among international public figures.