Zohran Mamdani reveals he has been vibing to Shamoon Ismail

Mamdani revealed that Pakistani rapper Shamoon Ismail is currently on his playlist.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was once known as rapper Young Cardamom. He has not left his music roots behind. This week, he revealed that Pakistani rapper Shamoon Ismail is currently on his playlist.

Speaking with Rolling Stone, Mamdani was asked what he has been listening to. He named Radio & Weasel, a Ugandan duo that topped charts for years. He also mentioned Shamoon Ismail, saying he has followed the Pakistani rapper for a few years now. Whenever he is feeling reflective, he said, he puts on Kacey Musgraves.

It is not clear how Mamdani discovered Ismail’s music. But the choice fits his background. He was born to a Ugandan father and an Indian mother, and raised in New York. His music taste reflects that mix. It also shows his close ties to the South Asian communities he represents.

He has not specified which Ismail songs he is playing right now. This also is not the first time he has shown love for South Asian music. After his primary win, he walked off stage to the Bollywood hit “Dhoom Machale.” Fans still remember that moment.

Mamdani’s taste is wide ranging. He has also spoken fondly of Taylor Swift, Jay Z, and Kim Petras. He is a fan of Indian American rapper Himanshu Suri, known as Heems. Mamdani has said Heems is part of the reason he entered politics.

As for Ismail, his soulful rap style keeps building a strong following. Recent tracks like “used to it,” “Alone Together,” and “VOLUME” have racked up big streaming numbers.

The singer recently took some time away from the spotlight. That break reportedly lined up with a major personal milestone, possibly an engagement or a wedding. He resurfaced on New Year’s Eve with a handwritten note to fans. He described the time away simply as a “transition.”

Mamdani’s shoutout is likely to boost Ismail’s profile further. This is especially true among fans who enjoy seeing South Asian artists recognized on a global political stage.