Zohran Mamdani may now be one of the most talked-about candidates in New York City’s mayoral race, but long before politics entered the picture, the 33-year-old was dropping bars under the name Young Cardamom. Known today as a Democratic Socialist and a proud progressive voice in the New York State Assembly, Mamdani’s creative past as a rapper is making headlines once again.
In 2019, Mamdani released ‘Nani’, a playful yet affectionate rap track dedicated to his grandmother. The video, which has gained renewed attention, stars legendary actress Madhur Jaffrey as the titular “nani”. The song begins with Mamdani, in character, teasing his grandmother before diving into lines like: “Go head make a wrap for your nani / Get the gwop spend a rack on your nani.”
The music video, rich in humour and cultural flair, features food trucks, apron-clad rappers, and an infectious celebration of South Asian family ties.
With over 200,000 YouTube views and 43,000+ streams on Spotify, Nani has become a favourite, especially among fans now discovering Mamdani’s musical alter ego.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the song, Zohran Mamdani told The New York Times that it was penned in 2017, honouring his grandmother Praveen Nair, the former chairperson of Salaam Baalak Trust.
Zohran Mamdani’s Musical Background
His journey into music began during school, eventually leading to the 2015 release of Kanda (Chap Chap), a rap about Ugandan chapatis, co-created with fellow rapper HAB. In 2017, the duo also contributed the track #1 Spice to Disney’s Queen of Katwe, directed by Mamdani’s mother, filmmaker Mira Nair.
While other political figures often battle past controversies, Mamdani’s rap credentials have only drawn admiration. One online user commented, “Why are you people not immediately voting for Zohran for mayor based on this masterpiece alone,” while another one said, “I love how every other politician has a crazy scandal and Zohran’s just out here with a track about his Nani.”
Zohran Mamdani’s Promise for Change
Mamdani has also promised to “Trump-proof” NYC, vowing to stand firm against federal crackdowns on sanctuary cities and protect immigrant rights. His vision for the city includes ensuring safety and inclusion for LGBTQ+ communities and expanding access to reproductive healthcare.
Having become a U.S. citizen in 2018 and entering state politics two years later, Mamdani’s rapid rise reflects a new wave of unapologetically progressive voices aiming to disrupt traditional power structures.
