Underground Voices: Musicians in Conservative Societies

“Where music is the war-drum of freedom, every note is a rebellion.”

The preceding pseudo-poetic remark holds the truth for millions of people around the globe. It’s the reality that many of us might never find ourselves in. How I wish I could have said that for every living person. 

In today’s modern world, we should supposedly be able to dream nearly anything and make it happen. In some corners of the world, however, making music is deemed as dangerous as speaking out against the established government. Where others casually play instruments on a street corner or post a rap track on YouTube without giving a second thought, musicians in countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, and Afghanistan risk arrest, exile, or worse — simply for being heard in some instances.

Music becoming entangled in political and religious red tape is not unprecedented, especially in societies where tradition and power go hand in hand. And yet in these societies, time after time, musicians have raised their voices in their own way and against all odds continued writing, singing, and recording.

This article explores countries where authoritarian, often theocratic, regimes are hell-bent on suppressing music and subduing musicians, and how those musicians are relentlessly 

resisting such oppressive constraints on the freedom of expression.

Culture Becomes a Cage

Art stirs emotion, and independent art is hard to regulate or manipulate. Thus, the reach and influence of art is threatening for any authoritarian and conservative society that treats culture as something that must be controlled, not cultivated.

Music spreads ideas; ideas that are not approved, are nothing short of a ticking time bomb for regimes that rely on manipulation, silence and submission. In many such countries, anything from singing about personal freedom to using “Western instruments” can be cause for punishment. Governments monitor lyrics, close down venues and deny permissions. It’s not unusual for an entire genre to be labeled immoral or anti-national.

Apart from politics, in highly religious or patriarchal systems, women face even greater barriers. In places like Afghanistan or Iran, a woman singing in public — or even on a private recording — can trigger outrage. Not because of what she says, but simply because she dares to be heard.

Iran: Where Rock and Rap Go Underground

Music in Iran is not banned per say, but it’s carefully regulated, like songs need government approval. Also, female vocalists are not allowed to perform solo for mixed audiences. Many artists are forced to record in makeshift home studios, perform in basements, and release tracks online.

Then there’s “Confess,” an Iranian heavy metal band who have faced charges in Iran for their anti-religious and anti-government music. They were arrested and charged with blasphemy, and potentially could have faced execution for their allegedly satanic and anti-Islamic music. Now they live in Norway, and their music is still a bold critique of authoritarianism.

As for hip-hop, rapper Salome MC should be mentioned. She is known as Iran's first female rapper and recognized as one of the best non-English-speaking hip-hop artists by MTV.  She started in Tehran but now lives in exile in Japan. Her lyrics, delivered in Persian, deal with everything from gender inequality to war trauma.

Saudi Arabia: Beats Behind Closed Doors

Saudi Arabia, a country with old and rich traditions and culture, made headlines in 2016 for loosening some of its cultural laws under Vision 2030. The aim of this vision is to diversify the economy, reduce dependence on oil, and create a more vibrant, modern society. Under this vision, concerts are now allowed, and cinemas have reopened. But freedom of expression might still be out of reach.

The Nascent music scene in this country is starting to flourish. A few years ago, however, artists had to push invisible boundaries quietly. Many groups use hip-hop to express the frustrations of Saudi youth. Their lyrics touch on unemployment, inequality, and the tug of war between tradition and modernity. But they rarely speak openly.

In Saudi society, where social reputation can be as dangerous as the law, underground artists constantly balance creativity with caution. But now there might be a chance to bring in change in the music scene of Saudi Arabia.

Myanmar: Music in a Time of Crisis

A myriad of styles of music and musical instruments can be found in Burmese culture. Yet, at the same time, Myanmar is considered one of the least free countries in the world in terms of censorship, which results from policies to control and regulate information, especially regarding religious, ethnic, political, and moral grounds.

Following Myanmar's military coup in 2021, Burmese culture has seen a rise in protest songs. They worked as weapons of resistance. Street chants, acoustic performances, and fiery rock tracks filled the air at rallies.

The punk band, Rebel Riot, was formed in 2007 after the onset of the Saffron Revolution. Their mix of punk rock and Buddhist themes grabbed the attention of the audience as well as the authorities. Videos of their protest performances went viral, despite efforts by the junta to erase such content.

Others weren’t so lucky. Reggae artist and activist Saw Phoe Kwar was arrested after releasing music critiquing the military. His imprisonment was a message to others: speak out, and you’ll pay for it. Unsurprisingly, musicians keep recording — often anonymously. The only way to release tracks was by utilizing online platforms. It’s risky, but for many, silence feels worse.

Afghanistan: A Country Without a Song

Few places show the impact of musical repression as starkly as Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Since retaking control in 2021, the Taliban have outlawed music. Radio stations had to replace music broadcasts with religious, patriotic, and jihadist content. Music schools have shut down, and instruments are burned.

Musicians flee, hide, or go underground; otherwise, they would be killed. The shocking story of Fawad Andarabi, a folk singer killed by the Taliban, is well known. He wasn’t an activist; he merely sang about his homeland, love, and beauty. However, even that was too much.

Institutions like the Afghan National Institute of Music offered hope, especially to young girls. Its all-female Zohra Orchestra, named after the music goddess in Persian writings,  was a global symbol of progress. Now in exile, since the 2021 seizure of Kabul by the Taliban..

Still, Afghan musicians are quietly writing songs, singing, or recording. Escaping the watchful eyes of the Taliban, they are keeping the music alive.

On Final Note: Music as Mirror, Music as Weapon

Music is a form of self-expression. But in these societies, it becomes something much more. Although we have highlighted societies that are considered conservative so far, the seemingly “non-conservative” societies also harbor some forms of oppression, which might not be easily discernible. Music, or any art form, will still be relevant regardless of the societal structures.

In our modern world, every person, every ethnicity, or every community faces challenges every day. Against these challenges, Music has been the universal voice for humans. For women, it’s a challenge to overcome gender norms. For youth, it’s a rejection of societal norms. For anyone, wants to be heard and understood, music is a stand against fear.

In any country and society, the underground voices remind us of the necessity of music and how it still matters. When the world is increasingly divided in the name of ideology, religion, and repression, these hidden but unyielding voices are what it truly means to be free.