In September 2021, dancers in traditional Chechen attire performed to celebrate the reelection of Chechnya’s leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, in Grozny, Russia. The image credit goes to Musa Sadulayev/AP.
The Chechen Ministry of Culture recently imposed a ban on music deemed too fast or slow, effectively outlawing various music genres. The ban, announced on the ministry’s website, was initiated by Culture Minister Musa Dadayev and approved by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.
According to the new regulations, musical, vocal, and choreographic pieces must adhere to a tempo ranging from 80 to 116 beats per minute (BPM) to align with the Chechen mindset and cultural sensibilities.
Dadayev, as reported by the Russian state-run news agency TASS, emphasized the significance of preserving Chechen cultural heritage in music. According to a translation by The Guardian, he stated that adopting music from other cultures is unacceptable. Dadayev stressed the importance of passing down the moral and ethical values of Chechen life to future generations. Russian media outlets have indicated that artists must adjust their music to comply with the new regulation by June 1, although the enforcement method remains unclear. Chechnya, an autonomous republic spanning approximately 6,700 square miles in southern Russia’s North Caucasus region, is predominantly inhabited by around 1.5 million Muslims. Ramzan Kadyrov, the region’s leader, has made the ban on Chechen music tempo a focal point in his communication in English.
Since gaining power in 2007, nominated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the leader in Chechnya has consistently suppressed opposition in the region. Dissidents, activists, and journalists, along with their relatives, have encountered intimidation, forced disappearances, unjust imprisonment, and fatalities. Chechen officials have also organized what Human Rights Watch labels as “lethal purges of men perceived to be gay or bisexual” in 2017 and 2019. In 2017, Kadyrov claimed, “We don’t have any gays… If there are any, take them to Canada.”
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom criticized Kadyrov’s regime for enforcing a distorted version of Islam in Chechnya, falsely claiming to protect local beliefs while suppressing dissent. This manipulation of religion and culture violates both Russian law and global religious freedom standards.
Despite Chechnya’s historical struggle for independence from Russia, it now stands as a key ally in the Ukrainian conflict. The region has preserved its language and folklore, with traditional music playing a significant role. Chechen music features instrumental pieces and epic ballads, reflecting the cultural richness of the region.
The government’s recent actions include restricting specific musical tempos, effectively muting various modern music genres. Electronic music genres such as house, techno, and dubstep typically exceed 116 BPM, while best-selling pop songs in 2020 averaged 122 BPM. This crackdown directly impacts the vibrant music scene in Chechnya.
Impact of Chechnya Music Tempo Ban on Song Selection
According to RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty, the independent Russian news outlet Meduza highlighted concerns about the tempo restrictions imposed on music, suggesting that the Russian national anthem’s pace may not meet the new criteria. Interestingly, the regulations appear to allow for genres like hip-hop, known for its BPM range of 85 to 95.
Various popular songs aligning with the permitted BPM range include Beyonce’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” (110 BPM), the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” (104 BPM), Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” (82 BPM), ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” (101 BPM), and Taylor Swift’s extended version of “All Too Well” (94 BPM).
Songs Falling Outside the Acceptable Tempo Range
When considering songs that are either too slow or too fast, the following examples stand out:
Too Slow:
- “Little Wing” by Jimi Hendrix (71 BPM)
- “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin (69 BPM)
- “Rehab” by Amy Winehouse (72 BPM)
- “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston (68 BPM)
- “Imagine” by John Lennon (76 BPM)
- “Hello” by Adele (79 BPM)
Too Fast:
- “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles (129 BPM)
- “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift (170 BPM)
- “16 Carriages” by Beyonce (127 BPM)
- “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana (117 BPM)
- “Toxic” by Britney Spears (143 BPM)
- “Hotel California” by the Eagles (147 BPM)
