Chechnya Bans Music that is Too Fast or Too Slow
Chechnya, a Russian republic, has recently made headlines with its decision to ban music that does not correspond to a specific tempo range. According to reports, the culture ministry of Chechnya has ruled that all music should “correspond to a tempo of 80 to 116 beats per minute (bpm).” This means that any music that falls outside of this range, including Western rave and techno music, would be prohibited.
The New Standard of Music
The tempo range set by Chechnya’s culture ministry is relatively slow compared to many modern-day pop songs. This decision is seen as an attempt to align the music played in the region with the conservative Islamic society of Chechnya. The republic’s leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, instructed the culture minister, Musa Dadayev, to ensure that Chechen music “conforms to the Chechen mentality.”
According to reports, Mr. Dadayev stated that “borrowing musical culture from other peoples is inadmissible.” This suggests that the ban on music outside the specified tempo range is not only about the speed of the music but also about preserving and promoting the unique cultural identity of Chechnya.
Implications for Artists and Music Industry
The ban on music that does not meet the specified tempo criteria has raised concerns among local and regional artists. However, they have been given until June 1 to rewrite their music in order to comply with the new rule. If their music is not reworked within the given timeframe, they will not be allowed to perform it in public.
This decision has significant implications for Western genres such as rave and techno music, which tend to have a higher bpm. These genres would be effectively banned under the new rule, limiting the diversity of music that can be publicly played in Chechnya.
Chechnya’s Controversial Stances
Chechnya has been known for its controversial stances on various issues. The region has been a vocal supporter of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has drawn international criticism. Additionally, Chechnya has been marred by reports of anti-LGBTQ violence in recent years, including allegations of anti-gay purges. The United Nations has described these acts as “persecution and violence on an unprecedented scale.”
While the ban on music based on tempo may seem unrelated to these issues, it reflects Chechnya’s efforts to maintain a strict adherence to its cultural and religious values. By imposing restrictions on the type of music that can be publicly played, the region aims to reinforce its cultural identity and preserve its traditional values.
However, the ban has also sparked debates about artistic freedom and the impact it may have on the local music industry. Critics argue that such restrictions limit creativity and hinder the growth of diverse musical expressions. It remains to be seen how this decision will shape the music scene in Chechnya and whether it will have any broader implications for the region’s cultural landscape.
