Pakistani rapper and singer Shamoon Ismail received an unexpected career highlight after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly revealed that he has been listening to the artist's music for years.
The surprising shoutout came during an interview with an international publication, where Mamdani was asked about the artists currently dominating his playlist. Known for his diverse taste in music - and for previously releasing music under the stage name Young Cardamom - the mayor shared a mix of international names that reflected his multicultural influences.
Speaking about his recent favorites, Mamdani said he has been listening to Radio & Weasel, the celebrated Ugandan music duo, before mentioning Pakistani rapper Shamoon Ismail.
"I've also been listening to a Pakistani rapper named Shamoon Ismail, who I've listened to for a few years," Mamdani shared, adding that when he's in a reflective mood, he turns to Grammy-winning country singer Kacey Musgraves.
The unexpected recognition caught Shamoon Ismail completely off guard.
Reacting to the mayor's comments, the musician took to social media to express both his surprise and gratitude.
"I had no idea that he has been listening to my music for years. Honoured to be the soundtrack of his life. All I can say is that real recognises real. Much love," Shamoon wrote, delighting fans who celebrated the cross-border acknowledgment.
The exchange quickly drew attention online, with many praising the growing global reach of Pakistani music and celebrating the fact that one of the world's most prominent political figures had been quietly following an artist from Pakistan for years.
Mamdani's playlist is hardly random. Born to a Ugandan father and an Indian mother before growing up in New York City, he has often spoken about embracing music that reflects the many cultures and communities that shape his identity. His appreciation for South Asian artists has been evident on several occasions.
One memorable example came after his election victory speech, when he exited the stage with the Bollywood hit "Dhoom Machale" playing in the background—a moment that quickly became a talking point among supporters and social media users alike.
Over the years, Mamdani has also spoken about enjoying artists including Taylor Swift, Jay-Z, and Kim Petras. He has additionally credited Indian-American rapper Heems (Himanshu Suri) as someone who played an influential role in inspiring his journey into politics.
For Shamoon Ismail, the endorsement arrives during an important phase of his career. The artist has continued to maintain impressive streaming momentum with recent releases such as "Used to It," "Alone Together," and "VOLUME," all of which have resonated strongly with listeners.
Read more: Zohran Mamdani says Pakistani rapper Shamoon Ismail is on his playlist
