"Mustafa Shakir" aka "Mustafa Effortless" aka "M*E" is nothing if not a renaissance man in the truest sense of the term! Actor, Writer, Director, Rapper/Spoken-word artist extraordinaire, his talent is immeasurable. I would go as far as to call this young man the entertainment industry's "best kept secret!" That is until NOW!

It all started on the streets of Harlem/Washington Heights where he was raised. "You have to morph in and out...

"Mustafa Shakir" aka "Mustafa Effortless" aka "M*E" is nothing if not a renaissance man in the truest sense of the term! Actor, Writer, Director, Rapper/Spoken-word artist extraordinaire, his talent is immeasurable. I would go as far as to call this young man the entertainment industry's "best kept secret!" That is until NOW!

It all started on the streets of Harlem/Washington Heights where he was raised. "You have to morph in and out of characters all day just to make it through, lover, fighter, politician, hero, etc!" Once you get to know him it's obvious Mustafa has had an appreciation for the arts from very early on, "I realized the value in entertainment because people were so down and out in their everyday lives that a song or some humor was just what the doctor ordered!" His first inspiration was a television show called, "Different Strokes" starring Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges. "I saw some folks on the television that reminded me of myself and thought their experiences could be my experiences and that was enough to want to chime in and share what was uniquely me." He went from banging on the lunch room tables, kicking freestyles to gracing the stage along side some of the Negro Ensemble Company's finest. From rocking open mics throughout New York City to finessing the small and silver screens plus few other stops in between.

The leap came when Jeff Block was given Mustafa's name for actors who could realistically approach accents for an early episode of New York Undercover, he went in to audition and lets just say the rest is history. Mustafa booked the guest star role without union affiliation and has not looked back. A once in a lifetime role in David Edgar's "Pentecost" brought him to the west coast's Old Globe theater. Mustafa felt it was a sign to broaden his horizons and take on tinsel town. Since moving out he has had the privilege of working with, Regina King, Rob Lowe, Wayne Brady, LL Cool J, Hugh Laurie, Jesse L Martin, Dan Farina, Charles Dutton, Joey Pants, Joe Carnahan, amongst others. He's booked guest star and recurring spots on major television shows including Law and Order, Numbers, Cold Case, House, Wanted, Girlfriends, Dr. Vegas, to name a few.

As a rapper Mustafa put out his freshman album 'HolyWar" on independent label Soundchron Records w/ production by Ayatollah, Leggo, JShaft, & Goldrocc. Currently working on his sophomore release with Leggo, Varan, and Dwayne Wayans of "Schway Music." He's collaborated with Planet Asia, Styles of Beyond, Big Daddy Kane, Guru of Gangstar, Svelte St, Tash, Phil tha Agony, Okai etc.

With successes in music, film, theater and television Mustafa is poised for a long, prosperous, diverse, and exciting career in the arts! Keep your eyes open for this one!