Chechnya Bans Music Outside Strict Tempo Range to Promote Traditional Culture
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Authorities in Chechnya are banning music that is too fast (over 116 beats per minute) or too slow (under 80 BPM) to conform to "Chechen mentality". Many modern genres would be affected.
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The ban was ordered by the Chechen Culture Minister and agreed to by leader Ramzan Kadyrov. The goal is to promote traditional Chechen culture and values.
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Kadyrov has ruled Chechnya autocratically since 2007 after being nominated by Putin. His regime has quashed dissent and violated human rights.
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While Chechnya is part of Russia, it has fought wars for independence and maintained its language and culture, including rich musical traditions.
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Examples of songs that would be banned include fast songs like "Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles and slow songs like "Imagine" by John Lennon. Songs in the approved tempo range include "Texas Hold 'Em" by Beyonce and "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin.