Music of Afghanistan
The music of Afghanistan comprises many varieties of classical music, folk music, and modern popular music. Afghanistan has a rich musical heritage[1] and features a mix of Persian melodies, Indian compositional principles, and sounds from ethnic groups such as the Pashtuns, Tajiks and Hazaras. Instruments used range from Indian tablas to long-necked lutes. Afghanistan's classical music is closely related to Hindustani classical music while sourcing much of its lyrics directly from classical Persian poetry such as Mawlana Balkhi (Rumi) and the Iranian tradition indigenous to central Asia. Lyrics throughout most of Afghanistan are typically in Dari (Persian) and Pashto. The multi-ethnic city of Kabul has long been the regional cultural capital, but outsiders have tended to focus on the city of Herat, which is home to traditions more closely related to Iranian music than in the rest of the country.[2]
Current legal status[edit]
Since their return to power on 15 August 2021, the Taliban authorities strictly banned music in Afghanistan, especially weddings, social gatherings, radio and television, etc. The Taliban also smashed and burned musical instruments, like a burning of musical instruments on late July 2023 in Herat Province.[5][6]
Hip-hop and rap[edit]
Afghan hip-hop is a type of music popular among Afghanistan's youth and immigrant community.[26] It inherits much of the style of traditional hip hop, but puts added emphasis on rare cultural sounds. Afghan hip hop is mostly sung in Dari (Persian), Pashto, and English. One popular hip hop artist is DJ Besho (Bezhan Zafarmal), a resident of Kabul. Another is 'Awesome Qasim', who is known in Canada and raps in Persian, Pashto, and English. Qasim's most recent album came out in February 2013 in Canada.[27][28] Kabul musician Soosan Firooz has been described as Afghanistan's first female rapper.[29] Sonita Alizadeh is another female Afghan rapper, who has gained notoriety for writing music protesting forced marriages.[30] The country's rapping scene has become increasingly prelavent in recent years. In 2017, Sayed Jamal Mubarez became the first rapper to win the annual Afghan Star musical competition.[31] In 2022, an Afghan rap song by Jawad13 and MiSAQ were commissioned by and available on Facebook Sound library.[32]