Thrive and wane of culture: being a musician in Afghanistan

Abstract

This article focuses on music, which is one of the most significant facets of Afghan identity. The country's rich musical legacy is deeply entwined with many ethnic groups and has played a crucial cultural role throughout its stormy past. Even though singing and playing an instrument were not taught in the majority of Afghan schools until recently, the country has a rich musical culture that is passed down from teacher to student from generation to generation. A rich musical heritage has endured for centuries, but the country's great musical tradition has come to an end over the past three years, with Afghanistan's musical culture suffering significant damage following the Taliban's second return to power in 2021. Fearing for their personal safety, many artists and musicians left Afghanistan. Although the bulk of Afghanistan's popular musicians and singers live abroad, many of those who remain in the country appear to have abandoned music in favor of other careers. Nonetheless, musicians living abroad are making an effort to preserve Afghan music by planning events and concerts all around the world. The article details the stages of the formation of state media, the emergence of new genres that are a symbiosis of traditional and modern, the development of national folk music as well as modern classical and popular music, and the emergence of new styles and trends during times when musical performance was entirely or partially prohibited. The article places a strong emphasis on gender rights and seeks to provide a voice to women who have been barred from performing music for millennia. The article also examines the survival tactics of musicians who strive to preserve a rich musical heritage.  Hence, the history of Afghan music reflects greater sociopolitical processes and demonstrates Afghan culture's endurance. As musicians continue to face these problems, their art remains an important tool for preserving cultural identity and encouraging worldwide understanding.