Afghans 'rock and roll' at a landmark music festival

05 October, 2012

Going by the number of people who attended the festival, one can't see much hope, but the enthusiasm shown by music lovers clearly demonstrates that music in Afghanistan, which was banned by Taliban till 2001 is being revived.

IF YOU believe Afghanistan is home to only warlords and tough fighters, you should better have visit the South Central Festival – a three-day music festival, held at French culture center in capital Kabul from Oct 3-5. Hundreds of people attended the second edition of the festival, to commemorate the ouster of Taliban, who had banned music during their regime.

A young Afghan American singer Ariana Delawari grabbed the most attention of the audience as she made them rock and roll. “It is so amazing and is one of the best things I've seen here in 10 years," Delawari said.

She said that she was feeling like Buddy Holly or Elvis Presley while she was performing on the stage. “This festival is like a rebirth of rock and roll in the country,” she added.

Qais Shahghcy, the band guitarist was so happy to see the enthusiasm of the audience. He was quoted by AFP as saying: "I had never seen such a crowd, that craziness. Look everywhere: it's the new Afghanistan. I'm so happy that I think I'm dreaming."

One of the performers, however said that it was very risky to perform in Afghanistan, as they had to face lot of problems. He alleged that he was even arrested once for 'not being a Muslim'.

Australian photojournalist and rock guitarist Travis Beard, founder of the Australian Sound Central music festival and its latest incarnation in Afghanistan said, "Afghans are really thirsty for music. The foreigners, who have more access to music, are more nonchalant about it." He added that this festival was an opportunity for the Afghan music lovers to get exposed to the music beyond the Bollywood and the pop.