Bangladeshi singer and composer Jon Kabir brought music to the centre of a political evening in Queens, performing at a fundraising event for New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani at the Thikana Community Hub. The night blended sound, symbolism, and civic energy, drawing a packed audience from the city's Bangladeshi American community.
The performance took place at the Thikana News office, where Kabir appeared on stage alongside another vocalist as Mamdani joined them in the room. Together, they performed "High Hopes" by Panic! At The Disco, while a projected visual reading "Zohran, a new era, New York" played behind them. The audience sang along, turning the chorus into a collective moment as Mamdani—dressed in his signature black suit—laughed, applauded, and encouraged the crowd.
"It was a surreal experience. I've been in touch with Mamdani through Thikana, and he is a genuinely great guy. The connection is more of a South Asian 'bhai-brother' thing," Jon told The Daily Star, also confirming his new role as Head of Programs, Events and Music at Thikana.
The fundraiser was organised by Thikana in support of the Zohran Mamdani transition effort and was described by organisers as the only Bangladeshi Muslim-led fundraising event of its kind in Queens. Thikana Group Chairman M M Shaheen inaugurated the programme, while Group CEO Mushrath Shaheen led the initiative. The event was supported by Rivertel CEO Ruhin Hossain.
Kabir oversaw the musical arrangements for the evening in his new leadership role. Thikana TV CEO Khaled Muhiuddin was also present. According to organisers, the event drew more than 200 guests and raised over $150,000.
The gathering was held at the Thikana Community Hub, a 6,000-square-foot extension of the Thikana Group office designed as a space for community learning, organising, and cultural exchange. Organisers said the venue reflects Thikana's broader commitment to civic participation among immigrant and minority communities in New York.
Zohran Mamdani, 34, has emerged as a high-profile progressive figure in city politics, particularly among younger voters. Ugandan-born and a Democrat, he has built his campaign around grassroots organising and policy advocacy on housing, equity, and public services. His mayoral run has intensified conversations about generational change and the future direction of Democratic politics in New York.
