Capturing Hearts & Minds: Mustafa the Poet's Soul-Stirring Performance at Knockdown Center

All photos shot and edited by Giovanni Diaz

Artists often wear their emotions on their sleeves, as it is the best way to convey the weight of the words they express in their music.

I recently had the chance to experience this in its rawest form at the Tones of NYC show by Color Studios, when Mustafa the Poet took the stage to perform his newly released debut album, DUNYA. As a long-time fan of Mustafa, I knew just how powerful his music could feel, and that night at Knockdown Center was no different.

Arriving later than expected, the first thing I did was ask a fellow attendee who had already finished their sets, horrified at the thought that I had missed Mustafa's performance. To my relief, they immediately responded, "Mustafa is next." Their quick answer, without needing to ask who I was here to see, made me realize that most of the crowd had come specifically for Mustafa, eager to witness him share his art with the Queens audience. I found a spot close to the stage and waited patiently until he approached the mic, right on time. The crowd's instant cheers brought smiles to both our faces as we prepared for a set filled with pure emotion and artistry.

He opened with "What Happened, Mohamed?", the second track from DUNYA, immediately putting the crowd in a trance as we all swayed in unison. The sound of a live oud, coupled with Mustafa’s beautifully raw vocals, made it clear that his music was more than just art—it was an outlet for his most honest and unfiltered emotions. Between songs, Mustafa took time to share stories and insights about each track, helping us understand what the music meant to him on a personal level.

Early into the set, he began to sing "Gaza is Calling," and by the end of the poignant performance, many in the audience were moved to tears by the genuine passion he conveyed. Something that everyone, including myself, deeply appreciated was Mustafa’s persistence in ensuring that his beliefs about the state of the world were not just heard, but truly understood.

Afterward, Mustafa spoke about his hometown of Toronto and how much it has shaped his life. He shared how, no matter how hard he tries to forget, all the traumas in his life are tied to the city where they happened. Although he loves Toronto, it has become difficult for him to act on that love, as each return brings the weight of his past. This led directly into the next song, "Leaving Toronto," which features Daniel Caesar on the DUNYA album. Once again, the crowd fell into a deep, hypnotic state, making it feel like nothing else in the world mattered but Mustafa and the stage.

Deep into the performance, Mustafa decided to perform one of his older songs, "Ali," in an acapella version, which truly showcased his vocal ability. It was the first time I realized that what you hear on your phone or computer at home is exactly what you hear live when he's on stage. Before starting the song, Mustafa shared thoughts on how the Islamic faith provides ceremonies for those who have passed—some people receive days, others weeks, but some get nothing at all. He explained that, through his music, he tries to honor those who were lost to street violence and didn’t receive such ceremonies.

That song, along with the entire performance, revealed only a fraction of the emotions Mustafa carries daily. As the audience, including myself, eagerly awaited his next song, Mustafa shared a small excerpt from Mark Strand's poem, Keeping Things Whole, as his final words before leaving the stage. The line "I am what's missing" stood out to me, casting a new light on the idea of keeping things whole in one's own life. Mustafa’s last words on stage were a simple, heartfelt "Thank you," which brought to my attention that  he had said thank you after every song that night.

As the room lights brightened and the stage cleared, a blissful joy radiated from the crowd. Mustafa had not only brought music to our ears but also to our hearts, and I, for one, eagerly anticipate the next opportunity to witness him perform live.