In a controversial move, authorities in the Russian Republic of Chechnya have enforced a ban on music categorised as either too fast or too slow, including UK exports like grime and drill.
Minister of Culture Musa Dadayev disclosed the decision during a meeting on Friday, as reported by the Russian state news agency TASS. Dadayev clarified that all musical, vocal and choreographic compositions must now adhere to a specific tempo range of 80 to 116 beats per minute (BPM), a mandate reportedly agreed upon with Chechen Republic leader Ramzan Akhmatovich Kadyrov.
Grime and drill is typically paced at around 138-151bpm, meaning that songs in that bracket will now be outlawed.
This directive, according to Dadayev, aims to align Chechen musical and dance creations with the “Chechen mentality and musical rhythm,” with the intention of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Chechen people.
Kadyrov, in power since 2007, has been known for his authoritarian governance, quashing dissent and imposing strict societal regulations.
In 2020, the US State Department imposed sanctions on Kadyrov for his alleged involvement in human rights violations, including torture and extrajudicial killings, spanning over a decade.
[Image created via MidJourney]