Afghanistan musicians defy Taliban music ban

Since 2022, the Taliban has officially banned playing or listening to music throughout Afghanistan, permitting only unaccompanied religious vocal chanting. This ban is enforced by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

In Kabul’s historic music district, Kucha-e-Kharabat, traditional instrument shops have been forced to pivot to selling groceries, clothes, and household goods. Many musicians fled the country following the 2021 takeover, while those who remained have hidden their instruments or sent them abroad to prevent them from being destroyed by authorities.

Despite the risk of enforcement by morality police, some musicians continue to play traditional instruments, such as the rubab, in secret to preserve their cultural heritage and family traditions.