Mustafa the Poet

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How A Muslim artist is making a positive impact on youth in Regent Park and beyond. 
 

Mustafa Ahmed, better known by his stage name, Mustafa the Poet, is a 24-year-old songwriter and singer who grew up in Toronto’s Regent Park. Mustafa is of Sudanese parentage. His early spoken word focused on themes of poverty both in Africa and Regent Park. Mustafa recently released an album on May 28, 2021, named, “When Smoke Rises.” Instead of glorifying violence, gangs and destructive behaviour, Mustafa chooses to use his music to promote healing and peace and to touch the lives of everyone.

In the words of Mustafa, he says, “You think you’re escaping a war, but then you arrive at a new one” he refers to the ongoing violence happening in Regent Park and how he tries to escape it.

In his song “Ali”, Mustafa sings about his friend who passed away from gun violence. In the song, paying tribute to his friend, he says, “Ali, there were no words to stop the bullets.”

In his song “ Airforces” he sings, “ Don’t crease your air forces, just stay inside tonight.” This lyric was sung in the course of the song emphasizing the unsafe streets of our city at night. The lyric is an analogy to Nike air force one shoes and how with every wear the more it becomes creased.

Mustafa has had the opportunity to shine and has received amazing achievements. Mustafa had the opportunity to perform his song “What about Heaven” live on Jimmy Fallon, as he got to show his beautiful voice in front of thousands. New York Times and The Guardian also made an article on him demonstrating his story and talent. He was also on GQ middle east where he displayed his cultural and religious outfits.

Mustafa has changed the lives of many young people in Toronto and continues to break barriers and make a name for himself and the community of Regent Park. By making folk music and reaching out to the youth in the city in a peaceful way Mustafa is single-handedly lowering violence in the city.


Written by
Samir Abdella

Journalist
FOCUS Media Arts Centre

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