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Mustafa the Poet

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Mustafa
Birth nameMustafa Ahmed
Born (1996-07-28) 28 July 1996 (age 28)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Genres
Occupations
  • Poet
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • filmmaker
Years active2016–present
Labels
Member ofHalal Gang

Mustafa Ahmed (born 28 July 1996), known as Mustafa, formerly known as Mustafa the Poet, is a Sudanese-Canadian poet, singer, songwriter, and filmmaker from Toronto. He released his debut studio album, When Smoke Rises, in May 2021.

Early life

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Mustafa Ahmed[2] was born in Toronto, Ontario to Sudanese parents.[2] He grew up in Regent Park, one of Toronto's oldest housing projects. Gun violence and street gangs were part of his childhood. Mustafa attended Regent Park Duke of York Public School. [3]

Mustafa first came to fame for his poetry. He was inspired to write by his older sister, who taught him the healing effects of poetry at a young age. When he was in the seventh grade, Mustafa performed an original piece, "A Single Rose", at Nelson Mandela Park Public School. It attracted praise at Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival in 2009.[4]

Career

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2014–2016: Poetry and Halal Gang

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Mustafa was first profiled in the Toronto Star at the age of 12, which highlighted his ability to describe and connect white and non-Black audiences to the gritty side of Toronto.

On October 4, 2014, Mustafa published "Rabba" with the Toronto-based artist collective Halal Gang. Members included Mustafa (aka Mustafa the Poet), Puffy L’z, Mo-G, Safe, and Smoke Dawg. As member of Canadian hip hop collective Halal Gang, he starred in a number of music videos, including the single "Feel" by Safe released in October 2016.[5]

In 2016, Mustafa was appointed to Justin Trudeau's Youth Advisory Council.[6][7]

2017–2019: Remember Me, Toronto

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Poetry and film

Mustafa performed at the Fast in the 6 festival at Nathan Phillips Square held on 1 June 2018.

In March 2019, Italian fashion designer Pierpaolo Piccioli collaborated Mustafa and three other poets for Valentino's autumn/winter 2019 collection.[8] A line from his poem "From the Perspective of Black Love" was featured as part of the collection.[9][10] He describes attending the show as an emotional experience, seeing women in creations made for their bodies.[11][12][13] Vogue described the event as "poetry back in fashion".[14] His collaborations would be worn by Emilia Clarke at a Game of Thrones premiere.[15]

Still under the name of Mustafa the Poet, he produced and released Remember Me, Toronto, a short Canadian documentary film about the hip hop culture in Canada in 17 March 2019.[16][17] Created for the Canadian hip hop community, the documentary discusses the losing of people due to the increasing gun violence and homicide rates in Toronto over the past decade.[18] [19] Mustafa said that he aimed to discuss the systemic structure working against the lower economies of Toronto and wanted to give these artists the opportunity to "rewrite their memories and the memories of those they lost."[20] In the film, the artists reflect on the inter generational nature of trauma and gun violence.[21][22] Artists featured included Drake, Baka Not Nice, Gilla, Pilla B, TJin, Pressa, Loco City, Smiley, Top 5, Blockboi, Twitch, Jay Whiss, Puffy L'z, Rax, Booggz, Yung Lava, and archival footage from the murdered artist Smoke Dawg. [23][24]

Music and songwriting

Mustafa has co-written several popular singles as a songwriter, often closely collaborating with Toronto producer Frank Dukes.

In 2016, Mustafa would begin working with Dukes and co-wrote the song "Attention" by The Weeknd on the latter's album Starboy. Mustafa would also provide some background vocals.[25] The following year, he co-wrote two tracks on Camila Cabello's debut album Camila, "All These Years" and the single "She Loves Control". He was featured on the Now's list of Toronto musicians to watch for in 2017.[26] In 2019, he co-wrote the Jonas Brothers single "Sucker".

He went on to title all the songs in Frank Dukes Parkscapes sample pack released in June 2019, which would be used on Taylor Swift's album Lover.[27] He dedicated part of the album's royalties to his alma mater, Regent Park School.[28] That year, he was noted as "one of the 10 Canadian songwriters who are penning the biggest hit songs right now" by CBC Music.[29] In 2020, he once again aided Frank Dukes in co-writing the Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber single "Monster".

2020–present: When Smoke Rises

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On 10 March 2020, Mustafa released his debut single "Stay Alive". The single was dedicated to those he'd lost to gun violence and was known for capturing Regent's Park resiliency.[30][31] The single was produced by Frank Dukes and James Blake.[32] The single featured numerous cameos from Toronto rappers including Halal Gang members Puffy L'z and Mo-G as well as Lil Berete.[33] It was known for including lyrics about resilience, community, and the bleak realities of living on the fringes pair perfectly.[34][35] The single prompted Complex to list Mustafa on the list of Best New Artists of the March 2020.[36]

Mustafa released his debut album When Smoke Rises on 28 May 2021. Described as "inner city folk music", the album was written and produced with Simon on the Moon and Frank Dukes, along with James Blake, Jamie xx, and Sampha, among others.[37] The album won the 2022 Juno Award for Alternative Album of the Year and was shortlisted for the 2021 Polaris Music Prize.[38]

Mustafa was featured on Metro Boomin's 2022 album Heroes & Villains, on the track "Walk Em Down (Don't Kill Civilians)", alongside rapper 21 Savage.

In July of 2023, Mustafa's older brother Mohamed Ahmed was killed in a shooting.[39]

On January 4, 2024, Mustafa organized a benefit concert at the New Jersey Newark Symphony Hall for food and medical supply distribution in Gaza and Sudan with a number of artists including musicians Clairo, Daniel Caesar, Stormzy, comedian Ramy Youssef, and poets Hala Alyan and Safia Elhillo.[40] The sold-out concert at the 3,500-person venue attracted more than 220,000 livestream views on Instagram.[41] Concert proceeds went to the relief organization Human Concern International for Palestine.

Discography

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Albums

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Title Details
When Smoke Rises
  • Released: 28 May 2021
  • Label: Regent Park Songs
  • Formats: LP, CD, digital[37]
Dunya

Singles

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Title Year Album
"Stay Alive"[34] 2020 When Smoke Rises
"Air Forces"[42]
"Ali" 2021
"The Hearse"[43]
"Name of God" 2023 Dunya
"Imaan" 2024
"Gaza is Calling"[44]
"SNL"

Other charted songs

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List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
[45] 		US R&B/HH
[46] 		US Rap
[47] 		CAN
[48] 		WW
[49]
"Walk Em Down (Don't Kill Civilians)"
(Metro Boomin and 21 Savage featuring Mustafa) 		2022 52 19 12 28 59 Heroes & Villains

Guest appearances

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Title Year Other artist(s) Album
"Walk Em Down (Don't Kill Civilians)" 2022 Metro Boomin, 21 Savage Heroes & Villains[50]
"Toronto 2014" 2023 Daniel Caesar Never Enough
"Plane Trees" 2024 Omar Apollo God Said No

Songwriting credits

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Year Artist Album Song
2016 Brendan Canning Home Wrecking Years (credited as vocalist)[51]
The Weeknd Starboy "Attention"
2017 BRIDGE Wreck "Lord Knows"
2018 Camila Cabello Camila "All These Years"[52]
"She Loves Control"[53]
Black Atlass Pain & Pleasure "Fantasy"[54]
Hello Yello Love Wins "Feel That Again"
2019 Jonas Brothers Happiness Begins "Sucker"
SAFE Stay "No Rush"
"Red Light"
"Wasteland"
"Summer's End 2"
"Piano"
"Nobody Cares"
"R U Scared, Pt. 2"
Majid Jordan Non-album single "Caught Up" (feat. Khalid)
2020 Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber Wonder "Monster"[55]
2021 Charlotte Day Wilson Alpha "Keep Moving"
Nemahsis Non-album single "What If I Took It Off For You?"[56]
2023 Omar Apollo Non-album single "3 Boys"[57]

Filmography

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Film and television
Year Title Role Notes
2019 Remember Me, Toronto[21] — Producer and Director

Awards and nominations

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Music

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Year Ceremony Award Nominated work Result Ref
2019 60th Grammy Awards Best Urban Contemporary Album Starboy (as songwriter) Won
61st Grammy Awards Best Pop Vocal Album Camila (as songwriter) Nominated
2020 BMI Pop Awards Award Winning Song "Sucker" (as songwriter) Won [58]
SOCAN Awards Pop Music Awards[citation needed] Won
2021 Pop Music Awards "Monster" (as songwriter) Won [59]
AIM Awards Best Independent Track "Air Forces" Nominated [60][61]
2021 Polaris Music Prize Polaris Music Prize When Smoke Rises Shortlisted
2022 2022 Juno Awards Alternative Album of the Year Won
Songwriter of the Year Himself Nominated
Prism Prize Best Music Video "Ali" (music video) Won [62]
Willie Dunn Award Himself Won [63]
2024 Best Music Video "Name of God" Won [64]

References

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  1. ^ "When Smoke Rises". Vinyl Me, Please. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  2. ^ a b Caramanica, Jon (28 May 2021). "Mustafa, a Folk Hero for a Weary Generation". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
  3. ^ "Meet Toronto's little poet man". The Toronto Star. 7 June 2009.
  4. ^ "Get To Know Mustafa The Poet, The Spoken-Word Prodigy Who's on the Weeknd's "Attention"". The FADER. 25 November 2016.
  5. ^ "Toronto World: Drake, Halal Gang, and the Diaspora in the 6". MTV News. Archived from the original on 11 March 2016.
  6. ^ "Outstanding Muslim Youths appointed to Prime Minister's Youth Council". Iqra.ca. 29 September 2016.
  7. ^ "These 15 young Canadians have been chosen to advise Prime Minister Trudeau". Dailyhive.com.
  8. ^ Ahmed, Osman (4 March 2019). "valentino wears its heart on its sleeve". I-d.vice.com.
  9. ^ "#SuzyPFW: Valentino: Poetry Inhabits Dreamlike Collection". British Vogue. 4 March 2019.
  10. ^ "Valentino Spreads the Love". ELLE. 4 March 2019.
  11. ^ Katz, Evan Ross (4 March 2019). "Mustafa the Poet On Helping Pierpaolo Piccioli Bring Valentino FW19 To Life". Garage.vice.com.
  12. ^ Foley, Bridget (4 March 2019). "Valentino RTW Fall 2019". Wwd.com.
  13. ^ Hughes, Aria (8 March 2019). "Poet, Drake Collaborator Mustafa Ahmed on Writing 'From the Perspective of Black Love' for Valentino". Complex. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  14. ^ "Why Poetry Is Back in Fashion". British Vogue. 15 March 2019.
  15. ^ "Emilia Clarke's Game of Thrones premiere dress displayed a poetic message". Metro.co.uk. 4 April 2019.
  16. ^ Johnson, Jasmine (19 March 2019). "Mustafa the Poet delivers Remember Me, Toronto (short film)". Thesource.com.
  17. ^ "Remember Me, Toronto". YouTube. 17 March 2019. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
  18. ^ Johnson, Jasmine (19 March 2019). "Drake is Featured on Mustafa the Poet's 'Remember Me, Toronto' Film". Thesource.com.
  19. ^ "Drake Features in 'Remember Me, Toronto' Short Film: Watch Here". Highsnobiety.com. 18 March 2019.
  20. ^ Atad, Corey (18 March 2019). "Drake Featured In 'Remember Me, Toronto' Short Film About Gun Violence From Mustafa The Poet". Archived from the original on 20 August 2023.
  21. ^ a b "Drake, BAKA NOT NICE & More Speak About Toronto's Gun Violence in Mustafa the Poet's 'Remember Me, Toronto'". HYPEBEAST. 18 March 2019.
  22. ^ "Rappers remember lives lost in Remember Me, Toronto". HipHopCanada. 17 March 2019.
  23. ^ "Drake Featured in Mustafa The Poet's Short Film 'Remember Me, Toronto' | 97.7 WRBJ". Thebeatofthecapital.com. 19 March 2019. Archived from the original on 12 April 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
  24. ^ MVP, Viral (17 March 2019). "Remember Me Toronto Drake OVO Sound Documentary Video". OnSMASH.
  25. ^ "7 Hidden Details on the Weeknd's Starboy". The FADER.
  26. ^ Ritchie, Kevin (31 January 2017). "Toronto musicians to watch in 2017: hip-hop edition". NOW Magazine.[permanent dead link‍]
  27. ^ "Frank Dukes Collaborates with Toronto's Regent Park School of Music for New Sample Pack". Exclaim!.
  28. ^ "14 Canadian Students Made It Onto Taylor Swift's New Album". HuffPost. 26 August 2019.
  29. ^ "10 Canadian songwriters who are penning the biggest hit songs right now". Cbc.ca. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  30. ^ Holmes, Charles (11 March 2020). "Mustafa's 'Stay Alive' Beautifully (and Unintentionally) Soundtracks the Pandemic". Rolling Stone.
  31. ^ "Toronto's Mustafa Captures Regent Park Resiliency with "Stay Alive"". Exclaim!.
  32. ^ "Mustafa Shares Soulful Debut Single 'Stay Alive'". HYPEBEAST. 12 March 2020.
  33. ^ "Mustafa shares the powerful 'Stay Alive'". The FADER.
  34. ^ a b "Mustafa Serenades with a Poetic Anti-Gun Violence Medley On "Stay Alive"". HotNewHipHop. 15 March 2020.
  35. ^ "Mustafa Takes His Anti-Gun Message To Toronto's Regent Park On Debut Single "Stay Alive"". Complex.
  36. ^ "Best New Artists of the Month (March)". Complex.
  37. ^ a b c "Mustafa – When Smoke Rises – LP+". Rough Trade. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  38. ^ David Friend, "Dominique Fils-Aimé, Mustafa, and Leanne Betasamosake Simpson are among the 10 artists shortlisted for this year's Polaris Music Prize". Toronto Star, 15 July 2021.
  39. ^ CBC News (28 July 2023). "Toronto musician, poet Mustafa mourns brother's death after fatal shooting". CBC News. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  40. ^ Madison, Bloom (5 January 2024). "Mustafa's Benefit Concert for Gaza and Sudan Provided Solemn Solidarity Amid Ongoing Global Crises". Pitchfork. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  41. ^ Williams, Noella (11 January 2024). "Omar Apollo, Clairo Support Palestine, Sudan in Artists for Aid Benefit". Teen Vogue.
  42. ^ "Mustafa shares new single and music video, 'Air Forces' | NME". NME. 22 September 2020.
  43. ^ Bloom, Madison (26 May 2021). "Mustafa Shares Video for New Song "The Hearse"". Pitchfork. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  44. ^ "Gaza is Calling - Short Film Review". Short Films Matter. 16 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  45. ^ "Metro Boomin Chart History: Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  46. ^ "Metro Boomin Chart History: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  47. ^ "Metro Boomin Chart History: Hot Rap Songs". Billboard. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  48. ^ "Metro Boomin Chart History: Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
  49. ^ "Metro Boomin Chart History: Global 200". Billboard. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  50. ^ "Stream Metro Boomin's 'Heroes & Villains' Album f/ Travis Scott, The Weeknd, Young Thug, Takeoff, and More". Complex. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
  51. ^ "Mustapha the Poet | Credits". AllMusic.
  52. ^ "Mustafa Ahmed Piano Sheet Music Downloads from". Musicnotes.com.
  53. ^ "Camila – Camila Cabello | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic". AllMusic.
  54. ^ Pain & Pleasure – Black Atlass | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic, retrieved 27 May 2021
  55. ^ Mendes, Shawn (20 November 2020). "Credits / Monster / Shawn Mendes – TIDAL". Tidal. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  56. ^ "Premiere: Nemahsis Drops Her Impassioned First Single, "what if i took it off for you?"". Complex. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
  57. ^ "Omar Apollo Releases New Song "3 Boys"". PRN Studio. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  58. ^ "BMI Salutes its Top Songwriters for the 2020 BMI Pop Awards". BMI.com. 13 July 2020. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
  59. ^ "2021 Award Winners • 2021 SOCAN Awards". 2021 SOCAN Awards. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
  60. ^ Grein, Paul (9 June 2021). "Arlo Parks Leads 2021 AIM Awards Nominations". Billboard. Retrieved 14 June 2021.
  61. ^ "AIM AWARDS 2021 WINNERS REVEALED". AIM Awards. 26 August 2021. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  62. ^ "Here Are the Top 10 Canadian Music Videos Nominated for the 2022 Prism Prize". Complex. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  63. ^ Friend, David (8 July 2022). "Toronto musician Mustafa wins $20,000 Prism Prize for his music video 'Ali'". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  64. ^ Kerry Doole, "Mustafa Wins 2024 Prism Prize As 'Name Of God' Named Best Canadian Music Video of the Year". Billboard, June 25, 2024.
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