As post-2001 Afghanistan was rebuilding its music industry, a new generation of musicians began to explore self-expression and reclamation through a multitude of global genres. Featuring the stories of Afghanistan’s first heavy metal band and the Kabul-based Sound Central Festival, this documentary showcases Afghan musicians ready to be in conversation with artists across the world. Join us afterwards for a Q&A with Sound Central founder and RocKabul Director Travis Beard.
About the Series
The Law of Music: Ragas, Rhythms, and Imaginations from Afghanistan
Afghanistan's numerous musical and artistic legacies defy the global public imagination crafted by military occupiers. This is due not only to the wealth of indigenous traditions throughout this diverse country but also its roles throughout global history. Within South Asia, Afghan musical traditions draw heavily from raga modalities and share many of the same classical instruments. In contemporary history, Afghan musicians and the music industry fused easily with disco, rock, and pop, situating modern Afghan music within global sonic conversations.
Since August 15th, 2021, musicians have been displaced from public view in Afghanistan. Many have resettled abroad, while others (many awaiting evacuation) have formed part of a burgeoning artistic underground sharing their art anonymously on social media. We at Brooklyn Raga Massive stand with all Afghan musicians and musical traditions and want to build on the solidarities and connections shared amongst us. Our February Social Justice Series, "The Law of Music: Ragas, Rhythms, and Imaginations from Afghanistan" draws its name from the book "Qanun-e Tarab" ("The Law of Music") by the iconic Afghan klassiki singer Ustad Sarahang. Join us as we celebrate Afghan musicians - their expertise, their inspirations, and their stories, - and learn how we can support them in artistic and political solidarity.
These events are free. We encourage our audience members to contribute to this effort by our series partner, Sound Central. Please give if you can and share widely to help winterize and evacuate Afghan whirling dervishes. Support the mutual aid effort here.
This series is curated by Amita Vempati and presented in partnership with Afghans for a Better Tomorrow and Sound Central, organizers of Afghanistan's first alternative performing arts festival.