by Daniel McIntosh

Mustafa has been known by many names at many levels in his early career. His debut album, Dunya, brings together the fractions of his experience for an anthology of a life in flux. Loosely assembled vignettes of diaristic moments are illuminated by meticulously arranged folk samples, providing a beautiful contrast to the dour sketches of the interior of Black, Muslim youth.

“Imaan” especially earns parallels to Grace-era Jeff Buckley or Leonard Cohen. Mustafa’s preservation of these experiences, in their grief, their joy, and the shades in between, is increasingly accessible as his attention grows, but maintains its heart-rending beauty.