Shamoon Ismail gains global spotlight after Mamdani adds him to playlist

Pakistani singer and rapper Shamoon Ismail has gained international attention after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani revealed that the artist’s music is part of his current playlist, highlighting the growing global reach of Pakistani music.

Mamdani shared his latest music choice, where he mentioned listening to Ugandan music duo Radio & Weasel and Shamoon Ismail. He said he has followed the Pakistani rapper’s work for several years and enjoys his music during reflective moments.

“I’ve also been listening to a Pakistani rapper named Shamoon Ismail, who I’ve listened to for a few years,” Mamdani said.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has revealed he’s been listening to Pakistani singer and rapper Shamoon Ismail, highlighting the growing global reach of Pakistan’s music scene. The endorsement, shared in a Rolling Stone interview, reflects Mamdani’s appreciation for diverse… pic.twitter.com/vAF2L1VzLu

— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) July 25, 2026

The mayor’s mention has brought renewed attention to Ismail, whose unique style combines Punjabi, Urdu and English lyrics. His music has earned a strong fan base in Pakistan and internationally, with popular tracks such as “Tuntuna,” “Rung” and “Confetti” gaining millions of streams on digital platforms.

Ismail is known for blending traditional South Asian sounds with modern hip-hop influences, helping introduce Pakistani rap music to a wider audience. His growing popularity reflects the increasing global interest in artists who combine local languages and cultures with contemporary music styles.

Mamdani also has a personal connection with hip-hop, before entering politics he worked as a rapper and continues to have ties with the music industry. He performed under the names Young Cardamom and Mr. Cardamom and has listed “self employed rapper” among his previous occupations.

The New York mayor stepped away from music when he entered politics, winning a seat in the New York State Assembly in 2020. However, his passion for hip-hop remains part of his public identity.

Mamdani began his music journey with childhood friend Hussein Abdul Bar, performing together at a music festival in Uganda in 2016. He later contributed to a song connected with the film “Queen of Katwe,” directed by his mother, award winning filmmaker Mira Nair.

His connection with hip-hop continued during his political career. In a campaign video released in July, Mamdani appeared alongside Wu-Tang Clan member “RZA” and referenced the group’s famous “Wu-Tang Financial” sketch.

The mayor’s recognition of Shamoon Ismail highlights the increasing influence of Pakistani artists on international audiences and shows how music continues to connect cultures across borders.