1990s-2000s

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)

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.