Zahran Mamdani: The Progressive Democratic Candidate for New York City Mayor 2025

Who Is Zahran Mamdani? A Deep Dive into His Life and Career

Early Life and Background

Zahran Mamdani was born on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda, to a family rooted in diverse cultural and religious traditions. His father, Mahmoud Mamdani, is a renowned academic and postcolonial theorist, and his mother, Mira Nair, is a celebrated film director. His multicultural background—a Muslim, Hindu, and immigrant—has profoundly shaped his worldview and political outlook.

At age five, Mamdani’s family immigrated to South Africa, and two years later, they settled in New York City. Growing up in Queens, one of the most diverse neighborhoods in America, Mamdani experienced firsthand the challenges and opportunities faced by immigrant communities.

Education and Early Activism

Mamdani attended Bowdoin College, where he studied African Studies and graduated in 2014. During his college years, he emerged as an active social justice advocate, founding the Students for Justice in Palestine and engaging in campus activism. His passion for social causes laid the foundation for his future political career.

From Social Service to Artistic Pursuits

After college, Mamdani worked as a social services consultant, helping low-income families facing foreclosure in Queens. His work in community organizing fueled his desire for structural change.

He also pursued interests in music and art, working as a rapper and producer under the stage name Young Cardamom. His involvement extended to film; in 2016, he served as the music supervisor for Mira Nair’s film “Queen of Katwe”—a role that earned him a nomination for the 2017 Film Music Supervisors Award.

July 7, 2025 | 8:17 pm