Chechnya bans all dance music deemed either too fast or too slow

The Russian Republic of Chechnya has enacted a ban on dance music deemed either too fast or too slow, expressing concerns that Western influence is "polluting" the traditionally conservative, majority-Muslim region.

According to the Russian news agency Tass, Minister of Culture Musa Dadayev declared that “all musical, vocal and choreographic works should correspond to a tempo of 80-116 beats per minute” to make music “conform to the Chechen mentality and sense of rhythm.”

The ban, set forth by leader Ramzan Kadyrov, aims to restrict genres such as house, techno, dubstep, and drum'n'bass, commonly played in clubs worldwide. However, certain forms of hip-hop and rap, falling within the designated BPM range, may still be allowed.

Dadayev set a deadline of 1 June for local artists to revise non-compliant music, with non-conforming compositions facing prohibition from public performance.

Traditional Chechen music takes many forms, including instrumental compositions like khalkaran yish, used during dances, processions, and horse races, alongside ballads known as illi yish. These musical traditions may feature accompaniment from instruments such as the dechig-pondar, similar to the Russian balalaika.

This decision demonstrates Chechnya's commitment to cultural preservation amid ongoing criticism regarding human rights abuses, particularly concerning the treatment of sexual minorities. Despite international scrutiny, Kadyrov's administration has denied allegations of persecution.

Listen to 'Chenchen song' by Sultan Borchashvili & Zurab Barbakadze below: