Kabul awakens to rock 'n' roll.
KABUL: A young woman grabs the microphone and yells: “Listen to the new generation of Afghans!” In the crowd throngs of young men leap about, shaking their fists. On this October night, Kabul awakens to rock 'n' roll. (Click here for more photos)
The timing of a unique rock festival held in Kabul this week is highly symbolic for the war-torn capital-11 years ago this month the Taliban was routed by a US-led invasion, having banned music and erased women's rights.
Out in the provinces gripped by an insurgency and ruled by tradition, such a scene is still unheard of, and would face horrific retaliation.
Just five weeks ago, 17 party-goers holding a gathering with music in a southern Afghanistan village were beheaded by Taliban insurgents.
But for three days in the capital, the opportunity to rock out is seized by delighted audiences and performers alike at the Sound Central festival, organised by the French Institute of Afghanistan.
“It's so amazing. It's one of the best things I've seen here in 10 years,” Afghan American singer Ariana Delawari told AFP.
“On stage, I felt like Buddy Holly or Elvis Presley,” she gushed. “It's like the birth of rock 'n' roll in this country.” Traditional folk music dominates in this conservative nation, although the tinkle of commercial pop can also be heard.
Anything else, like pounding drums and bass lines, or wailing guitar solos, represents an alien culture.
Qais Shahghcy, a guitarist, was taken aback by the unalloyed joy and enthusiasm of the audience at the festival, which closes Thursday.
“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,” he said.
“One of our songs is called “Daydream”. I think it's what I'm living now.” Sweating from his full-blooded performance, Shahghcy added: “I don't know what I played. I played so hard that I killed my fingers”.