In Afghanistan, musicians defy music ban to keep traditions alive

(30 Oct 2026) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: NO ACCESS AFGHANISTAN INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS PLEASE NOTE: THE MUSICIAN SPOKE ON CONDITION OF ANONYMITY FOR FEAR OF ARREST ASSOCIATED PRESS - NO ACCESS AFGHANISTAN INTERNATIONAL Kabul, Afghanistan - 11 October 2026 1. Various shots of a musician playing the rubab instrument. 2. SOUNDBITE (Dari) Anonymous (no name given), musician: “Music carries a profoundly happy and joyful meaning for us. It brings great tranquility to the soul and mind. It is truly the best thing, especially when one is experiencing either deep sorrow or great happiness. When you are feeling down, then by playing musical instruments, you are transported into a different environment (aura), an aura where you can find genuine pleasure.” 3. Various shots of the musician tuning his rubab. 4. SOUNDBITE (Dari) Anonymous (no name given), musician: “The difficulties are immense. I don’t even go to people's programs anymore, for fear that, God forbid, I might get caught, detained or beaten. And these instruments, as you see here with us, I’ve kept them hidden. I cannot take them along. There are so many problems. I currently work as a porter (transporting goods in a wheelbarrow), but the economic hardships are severe. Back then, I had an income from which I could scrape together enough to cover my family's living expenses, but now, things are very difficult. I can no longer manage that kind of work. The constant worry has caused me severe back pain. I’ve developed a disc problem due to this immense mental distress.” 5. Various close-ups of the musician with three handcrafted wooden rubabs. 6. SOUNDBITE (Dari) Anonymous (no name given), musician: “We were at an event after the collapse of the government. Someone from inside the gathering took photos and sent them to the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, reporting that these people were engaging in such activities. For instance, I was playing the rubab, another person was playing the tabla (traditional drum), and the singer was singing. After the photos were sent, the vice and virtue arrived, and it was around one o'clock at night, and they took everyone from the gathering away.” 7. Various shots of wooden rubabs hidden away inside a house. 8. SOUNDBITE (Dari) Anonymous (no name given), musician: “My eldest son is very keen on it, so I am teaching it to him. It is a legacy from my father, and I want it to continue to be passed down from one generation to another, rather than stop or fall silent.” 9. Various shots of the musician playing the rubab inside his home STORYLINE: There was a time when music filled many of Kabul’s streets, wafting out of cafes and restaurants and seeping from homes in the warren of alleys that make up the Afghan capital’s music district. Those days are long gone. Since 2022, playing or listening to music has been officially banned throughout Afghanistan. The Taliban, who seized power in 2021, have prohibited all but religious music — unaccompanied vocal chanting. The ban is enforced by the feared morality police of the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. “Music is forbidden in Islam,” said ministry spokesman Saif ul Islam Khyber, adding that it “serves as a means of joy to Satan” and “often leads to various other vices.” No one, he said, “is permitted to listen to music or to record songs and musical compositions.” Many musicians and performers fled the country after the Taliban takeover. Those who remained sent their instruments abroad or hid them to prevent authorities from smashing them. Across Afghanistan, musicians lost their livelihoods overnight. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...