Bangladeshi singer and composer Jon Kabir blended music with civic engagement at a fundraising event in Queens, performing at a packed evening in support of New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. The event, held at the Thikana Community Hub, brought together culture, politics and community participation, with strong representation from the city’s Bangladeshi American population.
Jon ’s performance quickly gained wider attention after he shared a video on his official Facebook account showing himself singing alongside Mamdani, who stood beside him during the moment. The clip, taken from the event, spread rapidly online and highlighted the unusual crossover of live music and grassroots politics.
The performance took place at the Thikana News office, where Jon appeared on stage with vocalist Ruhin Hossain to perform High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco. As the song played, a projected message reading “Zohran, a new era, New York” filled the backdrop. Audience members joined in, turning the chorus into a collective singalong as Mamdani, dressed in his signature black suit, applauded, laughed and encouraged the crowd.
The fundraiser was organised by the Thikana Group in support of Mamdani’s transition effort and was described by organisers as the only Bangladeshi Muslim-led fundraising initiative of its kind in Queens. Thikana Group Chairman M M Shaheen inaugurated the programme, while Group CEO Mushrath Shaheen led the overall effort. The event was supported by Rivertel CEO Ruhin Hossain.
Jon, who has recently taken on a leadership role within the organisation, oversaw the musical arrangements for the evening. Thikana TV CEO Khaled Muhiuddin was also present. Organisers said the event attracted more than 200 guests and raised over $150,000.
The gathering was hosted 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 wider commitment to promoting civic participation among immigrant and minority communities in New York.
Mamdani, 34, has emerged as a prominent progressive figure in city politics, particularly among younger voters. Ugandan-born and a Democrat, he has built his mayoral campaign around grassroots organising and policy advocacy on housing, equity and public services.
His run for office has intensified discussion around generational change and the future direction of Democratic politics in New York, with events such as this underscoring the role of culture in political mobilisation.
