Jon Kabir’s Performance Energises Mamdani’s Mayoral Campaign

The intersection of culture and politics took centre stage in Queens this week as Bangladeshi singer and composer Jon Kabir delivered a memorable musical performance at a fundraising event supporting New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. Held at the Thikana Community Hub, the evening offered more than entertainment; it served as a powerful demonstration of how cultural expression is increasingly being used to mobilise civic engagement within immigrant communities.

Kabir’s performance, which featured a rendition of Panic! At The Disco’s “High Hopes,” transformed what might otherwise have been a conventional political fundraiser into a shared cultural moment. Appearing alongside fellow vocalist Ruhin Hossain, Kabir sang to a packed audience drawn largely from New York’s Bangladeshi American population. Zohran Mamdani himself was present in the room, joining the audience rather than remaining at a distance from the crowd. As the song progressed, the chorus was taken up collectively by attendees, creating a rare fusion of popular music, political symbolism and community solidarity.

Behind the performers, a projected message reading “Zohran, a new era, New York” reinforced the campaign’s broader narrative of generational change. Mamdani, dressed in his trademark black suit, responded visibly to the atmosphere, laughing, clapping, and encouraging participation. His relaxed presence underscored the campaign’s emphasis on accessibility and grassroots connection rather than formal political theatre.

Speaking after the event, Jon Kabir described the performance as a “surreal experience,” noting that his relationship with Mamdani extends beyond politics into a shared sense of South Asian identity and mutual respect. He characterised the bond as a “bhai-brother” connection, reflecting the informal but meaningful networks that often underpin political mobilisation within diaspora communities.

The evening also marked Kabir’s first major public appearance in his newly announced role as Head of Programmes, Events and Music at Thikana. In this capacity, he oversaw the musical direction of the fundraiser, signalling Thikana’s intention to place cultural programming at the heart of its civic initiatives. Thikana Group Chairman M M Shaheen inaugurated the event, while Group CEO Mushrath Shaheen led its organisation, with additional support from Rivertel CEO Ruhin Hossain.

Organisers described the fundraiser as the only Bangladeshi Muslim-led event of its kind in Queens supporting Mamdani’s mayoral transition effort. According to estimates, more than 200 guests attended, contributing in excess of $150,000. Beyond the financial outcome, however, the event’s symbolic value appeared equally significant, demonstrating the growing political confidence of Bangladeshi Americans within New York’s broader civic landscape.

The venue itself played an important role in shaping the event’s character. The Thikana Community Hub, a 6,000-square-foot extension of the Thikana Group’s offices, has been designed as a multifunctional space for learning, organising and cultural exchange. Organisers say the hub reflects a long-term commitment to fostering civic participation among immigrant and minority communities, particularly those historically underrepresented in mainstream political spaces.

Zohran Mamdani, 34, has emerged as a prominent progressive voice in New York politics, especially among younger voters. Born in Uganda and raised in a multicultural environment, he has built his campaign around issues such as housing justice, economic equity and accessible public services. His mayoral bid has intensified debate within the Democratic Party about leadership renewal and the role of grassroots organising in shaping the city’s future.

In that context, the Queens fundraiser was more than a musical evening; it was a statement about the evolving relationship between culture and political power. By blending music, identity and activism, the event highlighted how campaigns increasingly rely on community-driven energy to build momentum in a changing urban electorate.