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“If the media just broadcast war that is the image of Afghanistan, if we make music, the idea of people will change” – Young Afghan Musician.
Images of Afghanistan are often limited to pictures of war and despair, but today many young musicians believe their music can change the preconceptions people have about Afghanistan. Years after Taliban rule when music was banned entirely, Afghan youth now are dominating the music scene with a new wave of rappers and rockers who strive for peace, education, and a better future. Their songs are reflective of their hopes, courage, and new perspective on life, clearly defining that their future will not be simply a reflection of the past. Afghan musician’s like Ahmed, from the rock band Kabul Dream, express that the presence of foreign forces in the country has had an indirect effect on all aspects of Afghan life. They provided security, which made it possible for Afghans to make a government and new laws allowed local media to express opinions and produce new programs. Ahmed says, today in Kabul alone there are more than 30 FM radio channels broadcasting everything from rock music to religious education which gives people the choice to listen to what they want. Recently young DJs and singers took part in a music festival “Sound Central” organized by the French Cultural Center in Kabul. Afghan rappers, break dancers, and rockers performed at the festival attracting hundreds of young people. Here is a link to the music festival and an interview with members of Kabul Dreams.
NATO in Afghanistan - Kabul Dreams - YouTube
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22402701
aria2013
DET-CENTCOM
Images of Afghanistan are often limited to pictures of war and despair, but today many young musicians believe their music can change the preconceptions people have about Afghanistan. Years after Taliban rule when music was banned entirely, Afghan youth now are dominating the music scene with a new wave of rappers and rockers who strive for peace, education, and a better future. Their songs are reflective of their hopes, courage, and new perspective on life, clearly defining that their future will not be simply a reflection of the past. Afghan musician’s like Ahmed, from the rock band Kabul Dream, express that the presence of foreign forces in the country has had an indirect effect on all aspects of Afghan life. They provided security, which made it possible for Afghans to make a government and new laws allowed local media to express opinions and produce new programs. Ahmed says, today in Kabul alone there are more than 30 FM radio channels broadcasting everything from rock music to religious education which gives people the choice to listen to what they want. Recently young DJs and singers took part in a music festival “Sound Central” organized by the French Cultural Center in Kabul. Afghan rappers, break dancers, and rockers performed at the festival attracting hundreds of young people. Here is a link to the music festival and an interview with members of Kabul Dreams.
NATO in Afghanistan - Kabul Dreams - YouTube
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22402701
aria2013
DET-CENTCOM