An Afghan man changes cassettes in a music shop in Herat, 2001. Music was strictly forbidden under the Taliban regime. (AFP PHOTO/Behrouz MEHRI via Getty Images)

1990s-2000s

Music faces brutal censorship after the Taliban take power and by 1996, the Taliban bans music entirely, punishing musicians and destroying cultural institutions.

For 30 years, music becomes a dangerous act of resistance—fleeing the country is often the only option.