NY Mayor Zohran Mamdani Says The Late Ricky Rick Would've Been a Great Mayor
- New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani appeared in a viral OKAfrica 'Quick 6' rapid-fire interview that got South Africans talking
- Mamdani honoured the late rapper Ricky Rick and shouted out Major League DJs when asked who he'd bring to his mayoral cabinet
- The clip showed just how deeply tapped in the New York mayor is when it comes to South African music and culture
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New York's Mayor is clearly no stranger to South African culture. Zohran Mamdani appeared in a playful rapid-fire Q&A segment for OKAfrica, and his answers sent Mzansi into a frenzy — because the man name-dropped Ricky Rick, Major League DJs, and African food all in one breath.
Ricky Rick and Major League DJs get the nod
The "Quick 6" interview, filmed indoors against a plain backdrop featuring an illustrated skyline graphic, was released on 10 September 2026. The branded segment features on-screen red-and-white text overlays highlighting key words from each response, keeping the whole thing upbeat and lighthearted.
When asked who would make the best mayor, Mamdani went straight for the heart. "For old times' sake, rest in peace to Ricky Rick," he said, paying tribute to the beloved late South African rapper. He then rattled off his dream cabinet additions, including someone named Peacewear, his brother Hab, and notably, Major League DJs, the Amapiano duo that has been flying the South African flag globally.
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Mamdani also revealed he's been making beats and is not in a rush to step back behind a microphone. "I'm making beats, and I don't anticipate coming back to the mic again anytime soon," he said.
African food and music take centre stage
The mayor didn't stop at music. When quizzed about food and music cravings, he went full African. For music, he pointed to wherever DJ MoMA is, and for food, he gave a shoutout to Safari, calling it a "great restaurant." He also mentioned Magic System's "Premia Gawai" as a nostalgic favourite, though he made clear his current appetite leans toward fresh, authentic African sounds and cuisine.
Watch the Quick 6 clip that got Mzansi buzzing below:
The clip spread rapidly on X, with South Africans surprised and delighted by how plugged-in the New York mayor appears to be. One user summed up the mood perfectly:
@Ngasii\_: "Ferociously tapped in 😮💨"
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Source: Briefly News
