Chechnya Announces Restrictions on Music Tempo, Furthering Conservative Cultural Controls
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Chechnya has reportedly banned music that is outside of 80-116 beats per minute (BPM), excluding faster genres like pop, dance, electro.
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The ban aims to make music conform to "Chechen mentality and rhythm", preserving cultural heritage.
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Artists have until June 1st to rewrite songs to meet the tempo criteria or be banned from public performances.
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Chechnya is a conservative Muslim republic that supports Russia's invasion of Ukraine and has seen anti-LGBTQ+ violence.
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A 2020 film "Welcome to Chechnya" documents the brutal persecution faced by the LGBTQIA+ community there.