Between the release of Sudanese-Canadian poet/artist Mustafa’s debut album, When Smoke Rises, in 2021 and his latest album, Dunya, the world has changed in ways that have made activism within music more pertinent. However, his unflinching ability to confront potentially unsettling topics head-on has only strengthened during those three years. And with Dunya, an Arabic word that roughly translates to “the world in all its flaws,” the personal experiences he discusses in his music are immediately made universal by the overarching themes, ranging from faith to death. Perhaps most impressive is how he’s also leveled up artistically, pulling from wildly different genres to better express a broad emotional spectrum true to life’s ups and downs.

Combining electronic and folk music

Although best known for his R&B sound, Mustafa pushes the boundaries for what could be achieved within the genre. “Imaan” is a warm embrace that allows him to sing in registers that contrast the guitar, strumming consistently throughout. The brief moments when the strings come into play give the song a distinct identity that differentiates it from going too far into a traditional folk direction. It also breathes life into the track through the lush instrumentation, marking a high point early on in the Dunya tracklist.

Despite always having an eclectic taste in production, something that became apparent on When Smoke Rises with producers like Jamie xx and Sampha, he makes each new venture on Dunya natural to his style. In the case of “I’ll Go Anywhere,” the so-called experiment is more like a homecoming for Mustafa, where the string section pays homage to the Middle East. The inclusion of Rosalía on backing vocals also speaks volumes, exemplifying the wide variety of sonic textures he pulls from for this album, in particular.

Tackling the hard conversations

Never one to shy away from subject matter like death, Mustafa once again takes himself to places that, although challenging, help confront harsh realities and traumas. From the start, opener “Name of God” speaks to many of the album’s themes, whether it be Mustafa’s struggles with faith or the passing of his late brother last year. And in spite of the harrowing experiences the song covers, the guitar and subtle electronic flourishes in the background carry his highly emotional vocals, almost as if helping him endure the pain he bravely bears for listeners.

In the case of many tracks on the album, multiple topics are often at the center of each song’s many messages. “Gaza is Calling,” which made waves earlier this year with its music video, is a lucid account of Mustafa experiencing heartbreak early in his childhood between him and a friend from Gaza. The lyrics, where hard-hitting lines such as “You wanna find the people who want to kill you” and “All our living rooms were aflame” are sung, help capture the powerlessness one feels when faced with outside influences outside anyone’s control.

Activism through art

Producing the Artists For Aid concert series would be enough to prove how important activism is for Mustafa. But with Dunya, he finds a path for music and activism to intersect with attentiveness. “Gaza is Calling” creates a throughline between the suffering Mustafa remembers his friend going through and what is currently happening to innocent people in Gaza. While it may have been easy to make a song about what’s happening now, he smartly packages the extensive and painful history the Middle East has endured, serving as a reminder of what led to the present moment. On top of that, songs like “Gaza is Calling” also double as some of his best work, uncompromising in their messages and unafraid to confront the suffering of millions.

To say Mustafa is booked and busy this year would be an understatement. On top of the aforementioned Artists For Aid series, he’s been leading up to the release of Dunya with sit-down conversations, including guests such as Daniel Caesar and Angelina Jolie. The latter interview was dedicated to the themes of Dunya, a more than appropriate use of time considering the album is host to several topics that Mustafa handles with impressive sensitivity. But more than anything, he’s able to retain the poetry he became known for through music and activism, an achievement in preserving an artistic voice.

Words: David Sosa

Visit Mustafa on his Instagram and website to stay updated on new releases and potential tour dates.

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