Zohran Mamdani, the leading candidate in the upcoming New York City mayoral election, has a background few politicians can match: he is a former rapper with a rich multicultural heritage.
Born in Uganda to Indian parents, Mamdani has skillfully integrated his diverse roots into his political persona, potentially resonating with the city’s wide-ranging demographic. His experience in music and culture adds an unusual and compelling dimension to his campaign.
Mamdani took a break from his musical career when he first ran for office, winning a seat in the New York State Assembly in 2020 representing Queens, the borough with the largest Indian population in the city. Yet, his hip-hop career remains a documented part of his official record. In his annual financial disclosures, he lists “self-employed rapper” as one of his professions and continues to earn modest royalties under the stage names Young Cardamom and Mr. Cardamom.
Early in his music career, Mamdani performed with childhood friend Hussein Abdul Bar at a festival in Uganda in 2016. Around the same time, his mother, acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, released the Disney film Queen of Katwe, telling the story of a Ugandan girl from a slum who becomes a chess champion.
Mamdani contributed to the movie’s music, which included a bilingual rap song celebrating his East African and Indian roots. The lyrics highlight his heritage: “I got the same history as chapati, origins of India, but born in UG. Rock brown skin, but I’m Ugandan. I can rap both in English and Luganda.”
Another of his projects featured Indian culinary icon Madhur Jaffrey in a playful, provocative rap video shot in a street food cart, showcasing Mamdani’s ability to merge performance, culture, and humor.
Campaign videos have also highlighted his cultural connections, including an appearance with hip-hop legend RZA from Wu-Tang Clan, where he humorously referenced Wu-Tang Financial to discuss economic issues in low-income neighborhoods like Brownsville, Brooklyn.
Supporters see continuity between Mamdani the rapper and Mamdani the politician. Derek Debru, co-founder of Uganda’s Nyege Nyege festival, said Mamdani’s authenticity and pride in his roots have helped him stand out. “We knew who he was. It was really exciting to see… a person like him from his background and also not shying away from his background,” Debru said. This unique blend of culture, music, and politics makes Mamdani a singular figure in the 2025 New York City mayoral race, appealing to both voters and cultural communities alike.
