Afghan+Music

Afghan Music has been censored for the past Twenty-five years and has left Afghans, particularly younger generations, without important references to classic folk traditions. When the Soviets took over Afghanistan, they banned any music that they saw as unfit for the new government. Traditional music was banned almost outright, due to its large ties to the Islamic history. When the Taliban gained control, they banned music all together because they saw it as a non-religious form of expression. All forms were outlawed, including composing music, listening to music, any form of public performances, and all violators were punished. The Taliban were particularly harsh with their punishments, starting with burning instruments, destroying music and sound equipment, all the way to to death by any means they saw fit. It wasn't until 2001 that the Taliban started to loose their grip on Afghanistan. The Afghan's finally started to rebel and regain some of their rights. Music has started to rise from the battered and torn country with a modern world twist, although their classics may not be lost forever.

Here is a link to some traditional Instruments [|here]. Here is another link to some Instruments used [|here] My personal favorite is the Tanboor. It looks simple and fun.

Here are a few videos of the new music that has started to arise from Afghanistan. media type="youtube" key="8Hd8hC5UR1w" height="344" width="425" Lyrics and Translation:
 * Gul Sanam**

Gul sanam-e gul sanam-e, gul sanam-e [6X)

Chi ze de wakam da toro stergo dedanona, rawozha Oye gul saname yaar de boley, rowzha

Khula de dukan da pataso da, way rawozha Wor achawali da sro shondo gropona, rawozha

Khalak kho yaie pa yaran de, way rawazha Janan pa mopasie topake garzawina, rawozha

Za chi shlidalay jami garzam, way rawazha Za da janan de kozhe spay khwalarayam, rawozha

Gul sanam e gul sanam e, way rawazha Chi ze de wakam da toro stargo dedanona, rawozha


 * Gul Sanam ( English Translation )**

INAMORATA!

Come out, my pair Let me see a glimpse of your shiners I am beating all over with prayer, Come out, my pair

Your mouth is a candy store You have locked it by your scarled lips

People assume we are bosom friends My love, they are carrying gun behind my back

I walk around in tatterd clothes (Because) The Dog of my love's streets has bitten me

Funny video featuring the Taliban media type="custom" key="3857085" This video shows the Taliban being made fun of by the Afghans.

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media type="youtube" key="z9O6SXhg_6A" height="265" width="320"

media type="youtube" key="gDPf_2hjhUU" height="265" width="320"