Chechnya imposes restrictions on music tempo deemed inappropriate
Officials in the Russian Republic of Chechnya have implemented restrictions on music tempo that they find unsuitable, whether it is too fast or too slow.
Authorities in the Russian Republic of Chechnya have recently implemented a restriction on music that is deemed either too fast or too slow.
Minister of Culture Musa Dadayev disclosed the new regulation during a meeting on Friday, as reported by the Russian state news agency TASS. The restriction applies to all musical, vocal, and choreographic pieces, with a tempo limit set between 80 to 116 beats per minute (BPM).
Dadayev stated that a new decision has been made in agreement with Ramzan Akhmatovich Kadyrov, the head of the Chechen Republic. According to TASS, it has been decided that all musical, vocal, and choreographic works should now align with a tempo ranging from 80 to 116 beats per minute.
Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov (fourth from right) dances during a performance of Chechen folkloric music in 2009.
Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov (fourth from right) dances during a performance of Chechen folkloric music in 2009.
S Dal/Reuters
Many songs in popular genres like pop and techno will be banned due to the new directive.
Under Kadyrov’s order, Chechen music and dance productions must now reflect the “Chechen mentality and musical rhythm,” with the goal of preserving the cultural heritage of the Chechen people for future generations.
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Chechnya sits in the North Caucasus region between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea.
It is an almost entirely Muslim republic, which includes part of Russia’s border with Georgia.
Kadyrov has been leader since 2007 and has used his time in office to stifle any form of dissent.
There have been reports of violence against gay men, with United Nations human rights experts calling for investigations in early 2017. It was reported by local media that some gay men were targeted, detained, and even murdered for their sexuality.
Another wave of anti-LGBT persecution was reported in January 2019, when activists said dozens of men and women were detained and at least two died in custody.
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Kadyrov responded by stating that there are no gay individuals in his republic. He also expressed that if there were any, they should be removed from the region.
Additionally, the pro-Kremlin leader has successfully quelled the Chechen separatist movement, which had been striving for independence from Russia for nearly twenty years.
In July 2020, Kadyrov was sanctioned by the US State Department for his role in serious human rights abuses.
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated that the department had substantial evidence linking Kadyrov to multiple instances of human rights violations over the past ten years, such as torture and unlawful killings.
Editor's P/S:
The implementation of music restrictions in Chechnya is a concerning development that raises serious questions about freedom of expression and cultural preservation. The narrow tempo limit imposed by the authorities effectively bans many popular musical genres, stifling creativity and limiting the ability of Chechens to enjoy a wide range of musical experiences. Moreover, the stated goal of aligning music with the "Chechen mentality and musical rhythm" suggests an attempt to control and homogenize cultural expression, potentially suppressing diverse perspectives and artistic innovation.
The restrictions also come amidst a broader context of
