News stories world-wide About music censorship About Freemuse Publications Study room Activities Links Press room

GOVERNMENTAL CENSORSHIP Damon Albarn: Music is destroyed by censorship The record industry exerts a covert censorship, which makes it difficult for musicians to express themselves freely, was the message from Damon Albarn, Tony Allen and Ty at the Roskilde Festival 2003 01 July 2003 Zimbabwean Censorship Board absent from censorship discussion “Artists in Zimbabwe do not know what the censorship board looks at when accessing productions, so this was an opportunity for them to know." A meeting in Harare discussed the growing concern about the Censorship Board 22 September 2004 Postscript to report on censorship in Zimbabwe "Playing with Fire: Fear and Self-Censorship in Zimbabwean Music". Extensive Freemuse report, including case studies on Thomas Mapfumo and Oliver Mtukudzi. Read abstract and full report (PDF) 05 January 2005 Clear Channel: September 11 & Corporate Censorship Corporate censor no. 1, or just the market leader? A collection of articles on Clear Channel - including the debate on the infamous list of 'potentially offensive songs', which Clear Channel suggested its 1.300 radio stations not to play following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US 01 December 2002 Freemuse report on music censorship in Zimbabwe "Playing with Fire: Fear and Self-Censorship in Zimbabwean Music". Extensive Freemuse report, including case studies on Thomas Mapfumo and Oliver Mtukudzi. Read abstract and full report (PDF) 25 October 2001 Elton John attacks new 'era of censorship' in America The British singer has attacked what he calls a McCarthy-like "era of censorship" in America. Entertainers who speak out against the Bush administration or its policy on Iraq, he claimed, risk scorn and damage to their livelihood 17 July 2004 USA: What if they gave a culture war and nobody came? Extensive article on the history of music censorship in the U.S., detailing the occasions when judicial and legislative authorities have focused attention on popular music as expression 28 January 2003 Freemuse report on censorship of music in Afghanistan "Can you stop the birds singing?" Freemuse report on the censorship of music in Afghanistan. Abstract, full report (PDF) and musical examples 01 May 2001 Iran: World premiere of film about music censorship in Iran Documentary film on governmental censorship of music in Iran had its world premiere in New York in 2006: ‘Sounds of Silence – Underground Music in Tehran’ 04 May 2006 Shoot the Singer! Book 'Shoot the Singer! Music Censorship Today' is the first worldwide presentation of contemporary cases of music censorship 25 May 2004 UK: Britain at War Extensive article on how music was "restricted" during the Falkland and Gulf war, with focus on UK legislation and corporate censorship. Presented by Martin Cloonan at the 1st World Conference on Music and Censorship, 1998 01 January 2001 3rd Freemuse World Conference on Music and Censorship 200 professional musicians, scholars, and composers from 22 countries met at the 3rd Freemuse World Conference on 25-26 November 2006 in Istanbul, Turkey 18 December 2006 China: The Rolling Stones accepts censorship Veteran rock star group The Rolling Stones will likely follow the beat of China's censors when they perform in China in April concert 03 March 2006 Australia: New censorship codes imposed Robyn Riley, Far North Queensland's answer to Tipper Gore, is a shining example of how one person can make a difference. A Christian activist and fanatical letter writer, Riley believes song lyrics cause suicide, murder and teen behavioural problems 01 March 2004 Iran: New music censorship law Mohammad Mirzamani, the General Director of the Music Office in the Ministry of Culture in Tehran, told that a new music censorship law is being prepared by the ministry 02 September 2011 Iran: Film about music censorship shown on Cannes Film Festival Kurdish-Iranian director Bahman Ghobadi launches a two-hour film about music censorship in Iran which features banned musicians and singers 15 May 2009 China: Country profile In China, the censorship authorities act with the aim of protecting its citizens against "mental contamination" and its government against criticism. 25 April 2008 Zimbabwe: How musicians avoid censorship In Zimbabwe, musicians manage to evade censorship by creating songs with double-meaning. And sometimes they get away with it, reports Freemuse's correspondent 28 November 2007 Zimbabwe: Radio programme about music censorship Radio programme about music censorship in Zimbabwe - with radio manager K. Nyoni, lawyer K. Phulu, poet A. Nyathi, and radio presenters R. Moyo and S. Mkhithika 07 June 2007 Iran: ’Unveiled: Art and Censorship in Iran’ Excerpt from Chapter 8 in the report ’Unveiled: Art and Censorship in Iran’ published by Article 19 in September 2006. Chapter 8 is about music in Iran: 05 October 2006 Iran: Report about art and censorship in Iran “Artists self-censor in fear of risking harassment, arrest, flogging, or worse still, imprisonment,” stated a report about art and censorship in Iran published by Article 19 05 October 2006 Musicians and Censorship in Zimbabwe Article prepared in connection with a seminar on Music Censorship in Zimbabwe, April 2005 12 May 2005 Six articles on music censorship in Zimbabwe Prepared in connection with a seminar on Music Censorship in Zimbabwe held Thursday 28th April 2005 at Mannenberg Jazz Club, Harare 12 May 2005 Tracing the Footsteps – Censorship and Music in Zimbabwe Article prepared in connection with a seminar on Music Censorship in Zimbabwe, April 2005 12 May 2005 Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings’ Policies on Censorship of Music Article prepared in connection with a seminar on Music Censorship in Zimbabwe, April 2005 12 May 2005 Zimbabwe: A Case of Music Censorship Before and After Independence Article prepared in connection with a seminar on Music Censorship in Zimbabwe, April 2005 12 May 2005 Zimbabwe: Censorship of Locally Recorded Music Article prepared in connection with a seminar on Music Censorship in Zimbabwe, April 2005 12 May 2005 Aung Zaw: Music censorship in Myanmar / Burma Video interview with journalist Aung Zaw about music censorship in Myanmar/Burma. Recorded in April 2004 26 October 2004 Turkey: Censorship Past and Present A historical approach to the nature of censorship. Article. 01 October 2004 USA: 'Crash into me, baby!' America’s implicit music censorship since September 11. Read the chapter from 'Shoot the Singer!', by Eric Nuzum on how the September 11 terror attacks have affected freedom of musical expression 03 June 2004 Censorship threatens future musicians Thomas Mapfumo (Zimbabwe) and Freemuse executive director Marie Korpe interviewed by BBC at the launch of the book: Shoot the Singer! Music Censorship Today 01 June 2004 Spain: Censorship of Basque musicians Over the past two years censorship of Basque musicians in Spain has steadily increased 28 January 2004 Afghanistan report Post Scriptum, 2003 Post Scriptum by John Baily to the report: "Can you stop the birds singing?" The censorship of music in Afghanistan 24 September 2003 Freemuse report on censorship in Nigeria: "Which way Nigeria?" Music under Threat: A Question of Money, Morality, Self-Censorship and the Sharia. Read or purchase the Freemuse report on music censorship in Nigeria. French and English version available 30 April 2003 Cuba: Rap and censorship Articles on alleged censorship in Cuba 03 January 2003 Croatia: Music and Censorship in ex-Yugoslavia Mr. Svanibor Pettan's speech at the 1st Freemuse World Conference on Music and Censorship in 1998 01 January 2001 Denmark: Censorship on music during the German occupation Mr. Hans Skaarup's speech at the 1st Freemuse World Conference on Music and Censorship in 1998 01 January 2001 China: 100 songs on culture ministry’s internet blacklist 100 songs that harm ‘national cultural security’ have been placed on an internet blacklist by China’s culture ministry, reported BBC News on 24 August 2011 29 August 2011 China: American folk singer agreed to Chinese censorship The 69-year-old American folk singer Bob Dylan - famous for his songs against injustice and for civil rights - agreed to perform in China only with a heavily censored list of songs 11 April 2011 Iran: Film about Iranian music censorship awarded, musicians exiled The Iranian film ‘No One Knows About Persian Cats’ was awarded at Cannes Film Festival. But two of the musicians which it features now must go in exile 27 May 2009 Iran: Rock band tells its story of censorship and imprisonment The Iranian rock band Font, winner of Britain’s first-ever Immigrant Song Contest, were imprisoned in August 2007 merely for performing their style of music. 18 May 2009 Taiwan, Province of China: History of Holo pop songs censorship Holo pop songs that were banned during Kuomintang rule took center stage in 2007 during a series of 'forbidden songs concerts' sponsored by the Government Information Office 22 November 2007 China: Canto-pop Censorship in China & Singapore An edited version of a part of a thesis entitled 'Three Decades of Canto-pop: Hybridization, consolidation and Innovation', written for University of Liverpool in 2005 04 September 2007 China: Rolling Stones had five songs censored Chinese censors restricted the Rolling Stones from performing five songs when they made their debut in mainland China on 8 April 2006. 10 April 2006 Puerto Rico: Censorship on reggaeton genre The Dominican Republic contemplates a nation-wide ban on Reggaeton. The genre has previously been banned on radio in Puerto Rico, and albums were boycotted 19 January 2006 Musical responses to 9/11: From Conservative patriotism to radicalism This article poses the question: What would a suitable American popular music response to the events of 9/11 sound like? Read the chapter by Martin Cloonan, from the book "9/11 – The world's all out of tune" 09 December 2004 Repression against musicians of Belarus Open letter from Belarusian musicians concerning political pressure being placed on musicians who allegedly oppose President Aleksandr Lukashenko 08 October 2004 Independent record labels unhappy with Sony – BMG merger Small record labels fear more corporate control: "This merger is not about economic necessity in a changing market, it is about the desire to dominate and to control the outlets at media and retail level” 20 July 2004 Najwa Karam banned by the Lebanese Censorship Committee In March 2004, the Lebanese Surete Generale censored a video clip entitled "Why are You Emigrating?" by Najwa Karam, a well known singer. 02 April 2004 Iran: Women & music censorship Background material on women in the performing arts in post-revolutionary Iran 20 January 2004 China: Culture, Legislation and Censorship Excerpts from the article "Chinese Cultural Laws Regulations and Institutions" by Gao Shuxun (ed.) 01 August 2003 Music during wartime An extensive collection of links to articles related to how the war on Iraq affected freedom of musical expression - from American country albums being burned to the rise in protest music 10 June 2003 China: Freemuse invites China to discuss music censorship 01 April 2003 Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation employs Ian Smith laws Article on Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation - still the sole broadcaster in Zimbabwe despite calls from all sectors of the media to free the airwaves 14 October 2002 Turkey: New media law heavily criticised The Turkish parliament has approved a controversial bill that critics charge will further curtail press freedoms and strengthen media monopolies 16 May 2002 Local TV censored A 200-year-old Kurdish song caused the closure last week of a television station operating in southeastern Turkey, home to the country's Kurdish population. Gun-TV was taken off air on Friday for one month after broadcasting the song 29 March 2002 Patti Smith From Tibet to the US: Video interview with Patti Smith on the importance on free musical expression 17 August 2001 Singapore upholds Janet Jackson ban Officials in Singapore have thrown out an appeal against a ban on Janet Jackson's album, ‘All For You’. The Publications Appeal Committee, a panel of academics and professionals, decided that the lyrics of the album, particularly one song, Would You Mind, were "not acceptable to our society". 05 June 2001 Israel: On the road to McCarthyism? With sponsors canceling events as a result of the artist's political views, artistic freedom could be under threat 24 April 2001 Egypt and Tunisia: The artistic revolution in the Middle East An article about music censorship and the role of music in the Middle Eastern struggle for democracy was published in The Observer on 27 February 2011 28 February 2011 China: Ministry makes new push to control online music The Chinese ministry of culture implements new censorship rules for online music providers by 1 January 2010 to ensure that lyrics are "acceptable" 05 October 2009 Russia: 'Government fights outspoken musicians, says rock singer Music censorship exists in full glory in Russia, the lead singer of the Russian rock group Televizor, Mikhail Borzykin, told SpinEarth.tv 24 August 2009 Cuba/USA: Music Freedom Day sparks emotional debates on Cuban blogs 3 March has fuelled interesting and revealing debates on past and present accounts of censorship in Cuba. The 'blogger-universe' hosts the exchange of opinions. 06 March 2008 Nairez Video interview with one of the singers who were forced to sing praisal songs for the Taliban regime. He speaks about his problems with music censorship in this period 25 February 2008 Chiwoniso Maraire Video interview with Chiwoniso Maraire together with Chirikure Chirikure and Paul Brickhill about their personal experiences with music censorship in Zimbabwe 05 November 2007 Iran: Gradual changes through modern technology The daily pan-Arabic newspaper Ashark al Awsat reports that changes are introduced gradually among the citizens of Iran – despite official bans and censorship. 04 July 2007 Selda Bagcan: speech - November 2006 Video of Turkish singer Selda Bağcan's testimony at the third Freemuse World Conference where she speaks about her personal experiences with music censorship in Turkey 15 May 2007 Lebanon: Hip hop band's censored album debut The Beirut-based rap duo Ashekman has come up against censorship several times in its young career, reports The Daily Star, as they are about to publish their debut album 02 March 2007 Belarus: 'Hidden Truths' report appendix - audio and video Online appendix to the Freemuse report on music censorship in Belarus, 'Hidden Truths', with links to and information about seven Belarusian songs - six audio files and one video 12 February 2007 Belarus: 'Hidden Truths' report appendix - song lyrics Online appendix to the Freemuse report on music censorship in Belarus, 'Hidden Truths', with links to and information about seven Belarusian songs - six audio files and one video 12 February 2007 Roger Lucey Video interview with musician and journalist Roger Lucey about his personal experience of music censorship in South Africa in the 1970's. "It is death to the artist", he says. 06 February 2007 UNESCO-study in support of freedom of musical expression Study for UNESCO underlines the importance of freedom of musical expression while listing examples of suppression and censorship of music in numerous countries 10 November 2006 Oath to Vanquish Video interview with the Lebanese Death Metal band Oath to Vanquish, recorded in July 2006 - about their music and music censorship in Lebanon 08 July 2006 Turkey: 'Censorship - the Turkish way' These original documents reveal the methods of official Turkish censorship 06 December 2005 Salman Ahmad Video interview with ex-Junoon member Salman Ahmad about music prohibition among Islamists, and about music censorship in Pakistan 22 November 2005 PraCh Audio interview with praCh about music, censorship and free expression in Cambodia. 21 November 2005 Zimbabwe: Blacklisted – My Personal Experience Article prepared in connection with a seminar on Music Censorship in Zimbabwe, April 2005 12 May 2005 Kurash Sultan Interview with exiled Chinese musician on music censorship in East Turkistan / Xinjiang. Interview in Chinese, Swedish and Uyghur. Transcription in English 19 October 2004 Algeria: Matoub Lounès - Berber Guerilla of Pop The story of the legendary Algerian singer who was assassinated in 1998. Chapter from 'Shoot the Singer! Music Censorship Today' (May 2004) 01 October 2004 D.R. Congo: Ban on rap music In June 2004, the Committee of Censorship in the Democratic Republic of Congo censored all Congolese rap groups and foreign music. The reason given for banning rap is that it is 'obscene and violent, and causes the youth to behave badly' 21 June 2004 Karamelo Santo Pedro of Karamelo Santo on music and censorship in Argentina. Interview in Spanish with transcription in English 26 August 2003 Sipho Mabuse Interview with Sipho Mabuse. Music censorship in South Africa. (Recorded 1998) 11 July 2003 Kurdish musician plays for freedom Kurdish singer, Newroz, explains the impact that censorship has on his career 11 October 2002 Argentina: Country profile Excerpt from 'A Survey Of Censorship And Restrictions On Music In Spanish America' 25 February 2002 Chile: Country profile Excerpt from 'A Survey Of Censorship And Restrictions On Music In Spanish America' 25 February 2002 Cuba: Country profile Excerpt from 'A Survey Of Censorship And Restrictions On Music In Spanish America' 25 February 2002 Dominican Republic: Country profile Excerpt from 'A Survey Of Censorship And Restrictions On Music In Spanish America' 25 February 2002 Guatemala: Country profile Excerpt from 'A Survey Of Censorship And Restrictions On Music In Spanish America' 25 February 2002 Mexico: Country profile Excerpt from 'A Survey Of Censorship And Restrictions On Music In Spanish America' 25 February 2002 Frank Zappa Interview, conducted on March 16, 1986. Frank Zappa talks about his appearance before the US Congress and his involvement in the fight against censorship 28 November 2001 A culture muted By banning music, the Taliban have removed an important force for unity. Article include interview with John Baily, who wrote the Freemuse report on music censorship in Afghanistan 13 October 2001 South Africa: Freemuse workgroup established in South Africa Full report from the Freemuse seminar on music censorship in Apartheid-South Africa. 24 September 2001 Just chant Music is high on the list of activities banned by the Taliban. Article on the Freemuse report on censorship of music in Afghanistan 04 May 2001 Nigeria: 'Leash on Their Tongues' Article on how music has been censored in Nigeria. Including the story of Fela Kuti and Femi Kuti and their struggle against political and religious censorship 01 March 2001 Anton Goosen Interview with Anton Goosen about music censorship in South Africa. (Recorded in 1998) 01 January 2001 Hugh Masekela Interview with Hugh Masekela about music censorship in South Africa. (Recorded in 1998) 01 January 2001 Pops Mohamed Audio interview with Pops Mohamed about music censorship in South Africa. (Recorded in 1998) 01 January 2001 Afghanistan: The talibans have banned all music Mr. Naim Majrouh's speech at the 1st Freemuse World Conference on Music and Censorship in 1998 01 January 2001 Argentina: Culture and the development of a lasting freedom Mr. Miguel Angel Estrella's speech at the 1st Freemuse World Conference on Music and Censorship in 1998 01 January 2001 Mauritania: A Letter From Maalouma Ms. Maalouma Meida Mint's speech at the 1st Freemuse World Conference on Music and Censorship in 1998 01 January 2001 UK: Britain at War Mr. Martin Cloonan's speech at the 1st Freemuse World Conference on Music and Censorship in 1998 01 January 2001 Iran: Arya – the Victor Jara of my Homeland Iranian journalist and poet Sepideh Jodeyri compares the life and music of imprisoned musician Arya Aramnejad with Chile's revolutionary singer, Victor Jara. 12 January 2012 Iran: Musicians are losing hope Members of the Iranian electronic rock band The Casualty Process spoke in the US about being censored and suppressed by Iranian religious authorities 01 November 2011 China: Beijing's censors cancel opera's world premiere A new opera about Sun Yat-sen, China’s first president, was canceled shortly before its scheduled opening in Beijing because its music allegedly displeased the authorities 12 October 2011 China: ‘Super Girl’ music tv-show suspended by government censors One of China’s most popular televised talent shows, ‘Super Girl’ has been put under yearlong suspension by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television 21 September 2011 Iran: How they rocked in Tehran before the revolution On the occassion of two new albums with music of Kourosh and Googoosh, Jessica Hundley wrote an article for Los Angeles Times about music in Iran before the revolution 22 August 2011 Iran: Government bans famous Ramadan singer The 70-year-old singer Mohammad Reza Shajarian’s beloved Ramadan song ‘Rabbana’ is banned by the Iranian authorities, reported BBC's Karen Zarindast from Iran 08 August 2011 Russia: Minister to censor online music of the youth Russia’s Interior Minister wants to stop young people from listening to music which, according to the minister, undermines traditional values and leads to cultural decay 08 August 2011 UK / Scotland: Offensive football songs criminalised Scottish football fans could be imprisoned for up to six years for singing offensive songs if an ‘Offensive Behaviour at Football Bill’ is passed in the Scottish Parliament 01 August 2011 Belarus: State radio reportedly bans politically sensitive song State-controlled Belarusian Radio is reported to have banned a 25-year-old song titled ‘Peremen’ (‘Change’) by the rebellious Soviet rock musician Viktor Tsoi 29 July 2011 South Korea: In the past two years 2,607 songs have been banned The South Korean Ministry of Gender Equality & Family has caused distress amongst fans for a series of bans they’ve made on songs considered ‘hazardous media’ to the youth 29 July 2011 China: Rock musician arrested in airport The Chinese rock musician Zuoxiao Zuzhou was detained for over 12 hours by police in Shanghai’s airport, a Hong Kong-based rights group said 29 April 2011 Music Freedom Day: Meanwhile in Turkey, musicians are persecuted Singer Ferhat Tunç wrote this article as a personal comment to the Music Freedom Day initiative, describing the current situation for more than a dozen musicians in his country 03 March 2011 Zimbabwe: 2,000 musicians unite in protest on Music Freedom Day Close to 2,000 music composers in Zimbabwe protest, asking the national broadcaster to stop playing music for six hours on this year’s Music Freedom Day 03 March 2011 China: 18th-century German opera censored in Beijing Zhang Huan’s production of the Handel opera ‘Semele’ concerned Chinese censors. The officials insisted on a number of changes 29 October 2010 Cameroon: Lapiro de Mbanga’s legal team files petition to United Nations On 16 June 2010, the international legal team for singer Lapiro de Mbanga filed an urgent action petition with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention 18 June 2010 Cameroon: United Nations secretary-general urged to speak up for Lapiro Freedom Now, a US-based lawyers’ advocacy organisation urges secretary-general of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, to request that President Biya releases Lapiro de Mbanga 09 June 2010 China / Tibet: Singer imprisoned for publishing 'subversive songs' A Chinese court has sentenced the Tibetan singer Tashi Dhondup to one year and seven months’ imprisonment for producing a music album with “subversive songs” 26 April 2010 Cameroon / USA: American lawyers prepare UN petition for Lapiro Cameroon keeping Lapiro imprisoned is a violation of international law, argues a team of four lawyers from a US law firm 25 January 2010 Cameroon: Free-for-download album in support of Lapiro de Mbanga Mondomix has launched a free-for-download album in support of the imprisoned cameroonian singer Lapiro de Mbanga 06 January 2010 Iran: More than 20 musicians banned from radio Government-owned radio stations in Iran have been ordered to stop broadcasting certain singers’ music and certain songs, reported Ilna and Iran Human Rights Voice. 30 November 2009 Cameroon: Lapiro de Mbanga wins global award Imprisoned musician Lapiro de Mbanga is the 2009 winner of the 'Freedom to Create' Imprisoned Artist Prize 25 November 2009 Lapiro de Mbanga Video interview with the imprisoned musician Lapiro de Mbanga from Cameroon 25 November 2009 Cameroon: Lapiro shortlisted for global award High profiled panel points at imprisoned musician Lapiro for the final shortlist of The Orient Global Freedom to Create Prize 26 October 2009 Cameroon: International lawyers support imprisoned singer Lapiro Freedom Now, a US based lawyers’ advocacy organisation, is now officially monitoring singer Lapiro de Mbanga's case 07 October 2009 Guyana: Ban liftet on 'gangsta' dancehall star Several countries in the Carribean have barred the Jamaican dancehall artist Mavado citing that his lyrics advocate violence. In Guyana, the goverment lifted the ban 23 September 2009 Russia: Punk fans and bands claim to be persecuted and silenced Is the Russian punk band PTVP censored from radio and tv because of their anti-government stance, or simply because they play aggressive punk music? 24 August 2009 Nepal: Goverment ban on songs that 'promote civil war' Nepal Television has banned a music video based on Maoist leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai on the charge that the song 'encourages civil war' 31 July 2009 Cameroon: Lapiro is the one who has to pay for all In this complicated case, there are problems of leadership, tribalism and politics. Lapiro de Mbanga’s case is a political persecution in disguise, writes journalist Jen Bell 09 July 2009 Cameroon: Interview with human rights advocate about Lapiro's case “This was an unfair trial. Now there must be lobbying actions,” said Dr Hilaire Kamga is president of NHRC, New Human Rights Cameroon, about Lapiro's court case 03 July 2009 Cameroon: Interview with Lapiro de Mbanga "This is the trial of the voiceless," said singer Lapiro de Mbanga when he was interviewed just a few hours before a court hearing on 24 June 2009 in Douala, Cameroon 03 July 2009 Cameroon: Singer Lapiro de Mbanga loses appeal court Cameroon power system strikes back at the popular singer Lapiro de Mbanga. It seems obvious that he has not got a fair trial, says Freemuse programme officer 25 June 2009 Cameroon: New verdict, same prison sentence to Lapiro Lapiro de Mbanga’s sentence of three years imprisonment and the fine of FCFA 280 millions was confirmed at a court hearing on 24 June 2009 in Douala, reported Jen Bell 25 June 2009 Nigeria: Kuti's nightclub in Lagos closed by authorities Presumably angered by the activism of the Femi Kuti, authorities have closed the legendary nightclub and concert hall in Lagos he runs together with his family 10 June 2009 Zimbabwe: Radio ban on singer for attacking government officials The music of 56-year-old Sungura musician Hosiah Chipanga has been banned on national radio, Radio Zimbabwe, wrote the newspaper ZimDaily on 7 June 2009. 10 June 2009 Cameroon: Singer Mbanga - Flurry in the court room Singer Lapiro found himself leaving the court's witness box on 13 and 15 May 2009 without a verdict. The adjournments of his case appear to be never-ending 25 May 2009 Cameroun: Singer Mbanga faces endless hearings False evidence, delays and rumors appear to play an essential role in keeping the popular singer Lapiro de Mbanga in prison 23 April 2009 Cambodia: Ministry outlaws obscene songs The Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has outlawed all songs with 'rude or obscene meanings' in an attempt to reduce the number of rapes and sex crimes 15 April 2009 China / Tibet: Singer and music shop owner in Lhasa detained by police Tenzin, a singer from Amdo who owns a music shop in Lhasa, has been detained by the police and accused of downloading 'illegal music', reported High Peaks Pure Earth 04 February 2009 Myanmar/Burma: Hip-hop artist released from prison On 6 January 2009, the Burmese military junta authorities released popular hip-hop singer Yan Yan Chan, who was arrested in April 2008 12 January 2009 China: American band Guns ‘N’ Roses' new album banned Guns ’N‘ Roses new album, 'Chinese Democracy', is allegedly banned from importation into China - apparently because of its name 27 November 2008 Myanmar/Burma: Hip-hop performer sentenced to six years in prison Hip-hop star Zayar Thaw was sentenced to six years imprisonment by a Rangoon court on 20 November 2008 for his involvement in anti-regime protests 21 November 2008 Myanmar/Burma: Musican Win Maw sentenced to six years in prison Musician Win Maw received a sentence of six years imprisonment by a closed court in Rangoon’s Insein Prison on 11 November 2008, relatives reported 14 November 2008 China: Western religious music banned Western musicians and tour organisers have encountered difficulties with performances in China due to a tightened political control over the arts and Christianity. 23 October 2008 Kuweit: Concert closed for ‘defying the conservative traditions’ The Kuwaiti department for monitoring public entertainment abrubtly ended a concert by the Egyptian singer Tamer Hosni because of a kiss 23 October 2008 Cameroun: Singer sentenced to three years in jail Lapiro de Mbanga was sentenced to three years in jail for taking part in anti-government riots. He is the author of several songs criticising the Cameroonian government. 25 September 2008 Cuba: Musician Gorki Aguila released After receiving a fine for civil disobedience, punk-rock singer and musician Gorki Águila could walk out of the court room as a free man on 29 August 2008 30 August 2008 Cuba: Musician Gorki Aguila arrested again According to members of his band, punk-rock musician Gorki Aguila has been arrested and faces up to four years' imprisonment for 'social dangerousness' 27 August 2008 Cameroun: Appeal for songwriter detained for his lyrics International Pen Writers in Prison Committee sent this appeal on 7 august 2008 protesting the arrest and four-month detention of singer-songwriter Lapiro de Mbanga 07 August 2008 China: Authorities stricter on foreign performers "Any artistic group or individual who have ever engaged in activities which threaten our national sovereignty will not be allowed in," the Chinese Ministry of Culture stated 22 July 2008 Russia: Government plan to ban emo and goth music Russian lawmakers propose to ban teenage subculture music styles such as emo and goth from the country's schools. Emo music fans protested on 19 July 2008 22 July 2008 Cameroun: Singer taken to court in chains Lapiro de Mbanga was in chains when he was brought to a court room on 9 July 2008, accused of causing anti-government riots. His case was adjourned to 23 July 15 July 2008 Myanmar/Burma: Interview with exiled musician Mun Awng Mun Awng is a musician who left Burma to make music freely and in hope of improving the political situation in his country 01 July 2008 Cuba/Netherlands: ¡Cuba RebelióN! A documentary film about the punk-rock and metal musicians rebelling against the bureaucracy and imposed conformity of the Castro regime 01 July 2008 North Korea: Three years in prison for simply singing a wrong song Because she had sung a South Korean folk song and taught it to four others in 1992, North Korean Ji Hae Nam (Hae-Nam Ji) was imprisoned for three years and tortured 09 June 2008 Saudi Arabia: Interview with founder of thrash metal band Faisal Al-Alamy is founder of the Saudi Arabian thrash metal band Octum. They released a demo entitled 'Fighting For Freedom' in January 2008 04 June 2008 Saudi Arabia: Musicians' freedom expanded There has been a quiet, yet marked increase in cultural activities in Saudi Arabia during the past couple of months. New music bands emerge and blossom on the internet 27 May 2008 Myanmar/Burma: Musician Win Maw arrested International PEN calls for immediate release of Burmese musician Win Maw, arrested in November 2007 and is said to be seriously ill as a result of torture in detention. 15 May 2008 Zimbabwe: Duo have to come back to court in June A Harare magistrate has remanded out of custody two musicians who are facing charges of singing songs that are 'sensitive' 07 May 2008 Myanmar/Burma: Musicians are being arrested Two members of the controversial - and popular - Burmese hip-hop group Acid have been arrested, along with the lead guitarist in Shwe Thansin group 30 April 2008 China: Tightened control over cultural activities The Chinese Ministry of Culture announced on 26 April 2008 that China will tighten up controls over cultural activities and products ahead of the Summer Olympics 28 April 2008 Tibet, the A.R. of China: Singer and song-writer detained without charges Jamyang Kyi, prominent Tibetan singer and a song-writer, internet writer and feminist activist, was arrested on 1 April 2008 and is held without charges by Chinese authorities 28 April 2008 Campaign: Urge for immediate release of Burmese musician Freemuse joins campaign supporting Win Maw, arrested on 27 November 2007. His arrest is thought to be part of the wider crackdown on pro-democracy activists. 25 April 2008 Cameroun: Imprisoned for singing 'Constipated Constitution' Two musicians in Cameroun have been imprisoned for criticizing constitutional amendments which allows the country's president unlimited terms of office 24 April 2008 Zimbabwe: Singing for the opposition is a crime Five days in prison and a possible sentence of up to two years imprisonment has not deterred two protest Zimbabwean singers from continuing to sell their new album 23 April 2008 Zimbabwe before the elections: Airplay is only for the "patriots" While the radio keeps rotating songs that praise the current regime, opposition and dissenting voices are silenced, and things fall apart, writes Maxwell Sibanda from Harare 10 March 2008 Zimbabwe: Banned singer released her third protest music album Exiled Zimbabwean singer Viomak released her third protest music album, 'Happy 84th birthday President R.G Matibili (Great Son of Malawi)' on 21 February 2008 29 February 2008 Aiab Gul Delshad Video interview with the head of Afghanistan's Music Union, who is a famous folk singer. He was arrested once, and imprisoned and tortured another time, because of two songs 25 February 2008 Aziz Ghaznawi Video interview with an authority on music administration in Afghanistan. He talks about how music was censored within Radio Television Afghanistan 25 February 2008 Baktash Kamran Video interview with the lead singer in Kamran Music Group. He speaks about his experiences with music prohibition during the Taliban period in 1996-2001 25 February 2008 Farhad Darya Video interview with Afghanistan's star singer who gives examples of songs which were censored in the period of communist parties in Afghanistan, starting from 1979 25 February 2008 Fazl-u-Rahman Wahdat Video interview with a Pashto folk singer and board member of Afghanistan Music Union. He speaks about the problems which a praisal singer faces when a regime changes 25 February 2008 Safdar Tawakoli Video interview with a Hazara folk singer who explains about his problems as a musician during the Mujahidin period where power in the capital of Afghanistan was fragmented 25 February 2008 Zhakfar Hussaini Video interview with a music censor. He worked as a censor in Afghanistan Writers Association in Balkh in 1986-1992 25 February 2008 The Middle East: New restrictions on satellite tv Freedom of expression in the Middle East suffered a major setback on 12 February 2008 when 21 information ministers of the Arab League agreed on a new satellite tv charter 20 February 2008 Zimbabwe: Concert blocked in Norton 'Rock de Vote' concert in Norton was delayed by more than four hours after the council chairman who is a known Zanu PF had called it off the last minute 14 February 2008 Zimbabwe: Concert blocked in Chiredzi Police had given permission to a group of musicians to make a 'voter education concert' on 12 December 2007, but the Central Intelligence Organisation blocked the event 24 January 2008 Senegal: Cote d’Ivoirian reggae singer banned in Senegal Reggae singer Tiken Jah Fakoly from Cote d’Ivoire was declared 'persona non grata' in Senegal in December 2007, after critizing Senegal's president and calling for democracy 08 January 2008 Iran: Official campaign against rap music Iranian police have been instructed to close rap studios in an official nationwide campaign to stamp out "obscene" rap music, reported Agence France Presse and BBC News 04 December 2007 Belarus: Musicians removed from 2004-blacklist After a meeting between in Minsk on 21 November 2007, the musicians who were blacklisted in 2004 are now allowed to perform live and to be played on air in the radio 29 November 2007 Zimbabwe: Profile of Thomas Mapfumo – 'the Lion of Zimbabwe' Throughout years of struggle, Mapfumo has been an important revolutionary figure in Zimbabwe – fighting with the power of music. 27 November 2007 Zimbabwe: Protest singer Viomak challenges Mugabe's regime Exiled Zimbabwean singer Viomak challenges the Mugabe regime, and she is well aware that by doing so she puts her life at risk 30 October 2007 Zimbabwe: Urban grooves blacklisted by state radio Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, ZBC, has issued a directive to producers to ‘drastically’ reduce the number of urban grooves musicians on air 24 October 2007 Venezuela: Spanish singer banned from state-owned stadium Due to a statement criticising the Venezuelan president three years ago, the Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz was banned from performing in a state-controlled stadium 19 October 2007 Ferhat Tunç campaign 2007 International campaign in support of musician on trial for remarks on Kurdish issue. Freemuse request the Turkish State to drop its case against singer Ferhat Tunç 02 October 2007 Iran: 'Rap-e-Fars' – Persian rap and the Iranian rap scene Although the Persian rap, 'Rap-e-Fars', is illegal in Iran it is very popular among Iranian teenagers. An article about the underground Iranian rap scene 17 September 2007 Zimbabwe: Police cancel music show For the second time in 2007, the police has stopped a Radio Dialogue community function in Bulawayo. 06 September 2007 Iran: About 230 people arrested during a ‘satanistic’ music event As part of an annual summer crackdown on “immoral behavior” about 230 people were arrested during a police raid on an underground rap and rock concert 07 August 2007 Turkey: Deceased Kurdish singer Ahmet Kaya still controversial Ahmet Kaya (1957–2000) remains controversial seven years after his death. On 4 June 2007 three people were attacked for wearing a T-shirt with the printing of his name 07 June 2007 Iran: Prohibition of music in holy city In a speech in official Friday praying on 11 May 2007 the Imam of Mashhad banned practicing of music and ordered to close all of the music institutes in the holy city 15 May 2007 Bangladesh: Music tv channels banned to protect local culture The Bangladeshi government banned transmission of Music India and nine other foreign tv channels for broadcasting programmes contrary to the "culture and values" 01 May 2007 North Korea: Jason Carter - 'The Colour Of Silence' Excerpts from British guitarist Jason Carter's diary, 'The Colour Of Silence In The Axis Of Evil' - about his first performance in North Korea 24 April 2007 Iran: Six musicians arrested Authorities in Iran have reportedly detained at least six members of underground music bands and shut down their studios, Radio Farda reported 24 April 2007 Turkey: Punk band faces jail over 'offensive' song The five members of the punk band Deli from Bursa face up to 18 months in jail for having insulted the country's unpopular university entrance exam in a song 10 April 2007 South Korea: Censors attempted to silence hip hop group Because they talk about social issues the South Korean Ministry of Culture and Tourism has tried to censor their songs, tells the top-selling Korean hip hop group Epik High 01 March 2007 New Zealand: Indonesian embassy stops musical performance At a festival in New Zealand an audio-visual composition which focus on the indigenous people of Indonesia was withdrawn after presure from the Indonesian embassy 19 February 2007 Freedom of musical expression in Belarus - report Freemuse turns its attention to Belarus - an authoritarian former Soviet country buffering the EU and Russia where many Belarusian rock musicians have been banned 23 January 2007 Turkey: One more judicial inquiry against singer Ferhat Tunç Another “judicial inquiry” has been opened against Ferhat Tunç, because of what he said at a concert organised by a political party on 22 July 2006 in Alanya 19 January 2007 Ferhat Tunç: speech - November 2006 Video of speech by Kurdish-Turkish musician and composer Ferhat Tunç, held in Istanbul in November 2006 at the 3rd Freemuse World Conference 15 January 2007 China: Imported music must be approved by ministry The Chinese Ministry of Culture has said it must approve all imported network music distributed in the country, the official Xinhua news service reported on 12 December 2006. 13 December 2006 Myanmar/Burma: Musical satire banned by authorities Authorities have banned a video compact disc depicting a traditional performance on the grounds that some of the content is critical of the military government 30 November 2006 Thailand: Opera composer forced to alter scene of his work The military-ruled Thai government forced an opera composer to alter the final scene of his work, claiming that it transgressed the tradition of the classical dance genre 30 November 2006 Uganda/Denmark: Dance troupe forced to cancel performance Because of fear of “reprisals”, the Danish-Ugandan dance troupe Faces of Uganda cancelled their performance scheduled for an opening of a controversial exhibition in Copenhagen 21 November 2006 USA: Documentary film about Dixie Chicks: 'Shut up & Sing' A documentary film about the country trio Dixie Chicks and the three years of hysteria that followed after they criticized president George W. Bush at a concert in London in 2003 10 November 2006 Syria: 'Silenced voices' In Syria, music is a mirror which shows the soul of the listener. A few young musicians perceive a magic language of sound which can touch the heart and make new thoughts spark. And this is exacly where their problems start... 07 November 2006 East Turkistan: Uyghur composer died in exile From his exile in Sweden the Uyghur composer, musician and poet Kurash Sultan was like an ambassador to the Uyghurs in north-western China. He died in Sweden on 29 October 2006. 06 November 2006 Kamilya Jubran Video interview with the Palestinian artist Kamilya Jubran who lives in Israel. She talks about music making and distribution in the shadow of regional conflict 30 October 2006 Mark LeVine: Heavy Metal and Islam Video interview with the American author and historian Mark LeVine who is writing on a book about the special role of Heavy Metal in the Middle East and its relationship with Islam 30 October 2006 Turkey: Government accused of "cultural genocide" In a 46-pages article, a British author describes the situation in the Kurdish region of Turkey as a “cultural genocide” and states that a new anti-terror law is misused against freedom of expression 27 October 2006 Iran: No more music download A ban on high-speed internet will make it more difficult to download foreign music which the authorities blame for undermining Islamic culture among the younger generation 19 October 2006 Taiwan: Restrictions on mainland Chinese musicians Taiwan regularly restricts mainland Chinese musicians visiting the island, according to an article in China Post on 17 October 2006 17 October 2006 China: Concert by American rapper Jay-Z censored Chinese censors stopped a concert by American rapper Jay-Z 16 October 2006 Turkey: Supporters of Kurdish tv station criminalised 56 Kurdish mayors who stood up for Danish-based Kurdish Roj TV have gone on trial in Turkey, charged with aiding and abetting the outlawed terrorist organisation Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) 27 September 2006 Turkey: Ferhat Tunç’s case sent to higher court At a criminal court hearing on 15 September 2006, musician Ferhat Tunç who might face up to three years in prison, had his case sent to a higher court. 17 September 2006 India: American singer censored on tv Paris Hilton’s music video ‘Stars Are Blind’ has been banned because of “sexual connotations”. 24 August 2006 Uzbek singer on trial for song about massacre World-wide campaign launched in support of the popular Uzbek singer Dadakhan Khasanov who is on trial for having written a song about the Andizhan massacre in 2005 07 August 2006 Xardas Video interview with Xardas, a 24-year-old Lebanese composer and producer of Dark Ambient music who had his new release confiscated by authorities in June 2006 08 July 2006 Malaysia: Blacklisted Heavy Metal band launches debut album After more than 20 years of performing, the blacklisted Malaysian Heavy Metal band Blackfire has finally released it's debut album, entitled 'Lahir Dari Api' on 6 June 2006 05 July 2006 Turkey: Kurdish singer prohibited from travelling On May 14 2006 Kurdish singer Selda Bağcan was stopped by Turkish authorities from travelling to Canada for a concert, reports Kurdish Info 15 May 2006 India: Government bans “raunchy” music videos In April 2006, the Government of India banned “raunchy music videos”. However, the Times of India reports that the ban has not been implemented 11 May 2006 Pakistan: Ban on dance and music in schools A ban has been imposed on social functions featuring dance and music, particularly Indian songs, in educational institutions, reports Daily Times 24 April 2006 China: Popular music tv programme banned A programme called "Supergirl" on Hunan provincial television made history among tv programmes in China. Now it has been banned by Chinese authorities. 21 April 2006 North Korea: Exiled because of passion for jazz Classical pianist Kim Cheol-woong (Cheol Woong Kim) had to flee North Korea to realise his dream of becoming a jazz musician 06 April 2006 South Africa: Public radio bans Zulu hit song The title track from the South African album ‘Msholozi’ by Izingane Zoma has been banned by the South African Broadcasting Corporation 04 April 2006 Turkey: New sound of Kurdish music after ban was lifted Aynur Dogan, once banned because of her Kurdish ethnicity, is perhaps the most recognizable of many Kurdish singers creating a new sound in Turkey 03 April 2006 Nigeria: Radio station restricted for playing song with political lyrics Freedom Radio in Kano has been sanctioned, possibly for playing a specific political song 03 April 2006 China: Magazine featuring Cui Jian banned Three weeks after the first copies of a Chinese version of Rolling Stone hit the newsstands and were torn off the shelves, Chinese regulators said they would not allow it to publish a second issue. 30 March 2006 Belarus: Interview with Belarusian singer Ljavon Volski from NRM Interview with Belarusian singer Ljavon Volski. He is the lead singer in the rock and punk band N.R.M., based in Minsk 28 March 2006 South Korea: Government pressure on musical about North Korea A cultural center in southern Seoul runs the controversial musical 'Yoduk Story' which is set in a remote North Korean detention camp, Yoduk. 24 March 2006 Belarus election: Blacklisted bands play in Poland The hope amongst the organisers and artists is that music can fuel revolution and bring about democracy in Belarus 17 March 2006 Iran: Forbidden rap album becomes a hit A new album made by the group Dalu mocks the Islamic Republic's top clerics. It has taken the country by storm, reports Iran Focus 03 March 2006 Crackdown on music in public space Many cities world-wide are debating whether music in public space is to be considered a form of noise pollution. Some ban, others encourage street performances and music lessons 16 February 2006 Malaysia: Norwegian rock band banned from performing Norwegian black metal band Mayhem was scheduled to give a performance in Malaysia’s capital, but following objections from members of the country's parliament, the concert has been banned. 10 February 2006 Eritrea: Two music shops shut down, singer imprisoned In December 2005, Eritrean police raided two music shops in Asmara. Popular evangelical Christian singer Helen Berhane has been jailed without trial since May 2004 19 January 2006 Turkey: "Keep Roj TV!" Turkish musicians protest Turkish musicians signed a petition against attempts to ban the Denmark-based Kurdish Roj TV. The Danish government has been under diplomatic pressure to effect its closure. 17 January 2006 Afghanistan: Strict self-censorship on Afghan music tv No rap and no sexy content. These are the rules for the producer of a popular music television program in Afghanistan. Interview 10 January 2006 Turkey: Singer Ferhat Tunç receives death threats "I regret to say that something I did for humanitarian purposes to save someone’s life was turned into a lynching campaign against me" 09 January 2006 Lebanese singer Marcel Khalife banned in Tunisia The Lebanese singer is "no longer welcome" in Tunisia and his songs are banned from state controlled medias 02 January 2006 Turkey: Ferhat Tunç appeared in court The trial of artist Ferhat Tunç for an article he wrote in Özgür Gündem newspaper is adjourned to 31 May 2006 30 December 2005 Iran: New ban on Western music in Iran New decree bans music that does not conform to Islamic doctrines and the spirit of the Islamic Revolution 21 December 2005 Ferhat Tunç campaign 2005 International campaign: Freemuse and musicians world-wide request the Turkish State to drop its case against singer Ferhat Tunç 06 December 2005 Iran: More than thirty concerts cancelled Iran is experiencing a cultural clampdown. In three months, from September to November 2005, Iran’s Ministry of Culture has cancelled more than thirty concerts in the country. 29 November 2005 Myanmar/Burma: Music under siege Music provides a rallying point for the masses during political upheavals in Burma. An excerpt from the book 'Shoot the Singer': Chapter 6 28 October 2005 USA: Anti-Iraq war rock song claimed blacklisted by US government American rock musician Mick Star claims that his anti-Iraq war song 'Jets' is not getting air time due to pressure on radio stations from the White House 25 October 2005 Governments against dance music Laws are in place all over Europe, in the USA and in Asia, "aimed at stifling dance music culture", according to music organisers 14 October 2005 Iran: Ministry rejects instrumental CD Ministry of culture says Western rock is the product of drug addicts 29 August 2005 Turkmenistan: Ban on recorded music in all public places Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov has banned the playing of recorded music at all public events, on television and at weddings 26 August 2005 The case of Gorki Luis Águila Carrasco The controversial Cuban rock artist Gorki Luis Águila Carrasco who was sentenced to four years imprisonment in 2003, was released 16 March 2005. 17 March 2005 Ghana President intervenes in copyright controversy A new proposed Copyright Bill in Ghana could violate musicians fundamental human rights, argues top Ghanaian composers, musicians and lawyers 09 March 2005 Belarus limits foreign music Europe’s ”last” dictator Aleksandr Lukasjenko does not only censor local bands, he has now ordered that radio stations can only play 20 pct. foreign music 14 January 2005 Googoosh: Iran's Daughter Googoosh was Iran's most famous and beloved pop diva, until she was silenced following the 1979 Islamic revolution. The award winning documentary on Googoosh is now out on DVD 14 December 2004 Pride and prejudice: 'anti-gay' stars refuse to apologise Their gigs have been cancelled all over the world and their names withdrawn from awards. But Jamaica's dancehall stars refuse to apologise for - or even stop singing - songs that encourage the murder of gay people. Extensive article from The Guardian 10 December 2004 Turkey: Ferhat Tunç case postponed Ferhat Tunç's hearing on the 2nd of December is postponed to 9th of March 2005, for the purpose of gathering additional documents 08 December 2004 Breaking the Silence: Afghanistan documentary out on DVD Breaking the Silence - the award winning documentary from 2002 by Simon Broughton on music after the fall of the Taliban is now available on DVD 06 December 2004 City demands 'anti-gay' music ban Brighton will be the first UK city to demand that retailers ban albums with "anti-gay" lyrics. The City Council voted unanimously to write to the managing directors of Virgin Megastore, HMV and MVC condemning the music. The council do not have the power to force the stores not to sell the music 27 November 2004 No apology from 'anti-gay' singer Reggae star Sizzla has refused to apologise for his lyrics advocating violence against gay men, despite his UK tour being cancelled after protests. Sizzla is not allowed into the UK while the Home Secretary examines concerns raised by gay rights group OutRage! 25 November 2004 City seeks 'anti-gay' album ban The first UK city-wide boycott of albums with "anti-gay" lyrics is being considered in Brighton. Councillors want music retailers like HMV, Virgin Megastore and MVC to stop selling albums with homophobic lyrics in its Brighton branches 23 November 2004 Reggae stars 'help to spread HIV' International Development Minister Gareth Thomas fears that discrimination against homosexuals is deterring people from being tested for HIV. "A number of artistes are effectively contributing to the spread of HIV by producing reggae and rap songs actually encouraging discrimination" 22 November 2004 Censor and be damned? The link between violent music and violent behaviour "The UK Home Office has decided that Sizzla cannot come to the UK to play at this time." Scotland on Sunday about the current debate on homophobic lyrics 14 November 2004 Zimbabwe: Moyo under fire for using billions of taxpayers' money to sponsor own band Information Minister Jonathan Moyo has squandered at least Z$2-billion of public funds in recording and launching music group PaxAfro's first CD, and in hosting music concerts aimed at sprucing up the Zimbabwean government's battered image 14 November 2004 US school talent show draws Secret Service The band, named Coalition of the Willing, was to perform Bob Dylan's song "Masters of War" – but some students and adults who heard the band rehearse called a radio talk show Thursday morning, saying the song the band sang ended with a call for President Bush to die. So the Secret Service was called 12 November 2004 Afghanistan pulls cable channels Cable TV channels showing raunchy Bollywood movies and foreign music videos have - again - been taken off air in Afghanistan by the government 12 November 2004 Haiti: Members of the popular band RAM arrested Haitian police detained three members of the popular band RAM late on the night of Nov. 4 as they were on stage performing a song called "Justice!" at the Oloffson Hotel in Port-au-Prince, witnesses say 10 November 2004 South Korea: Protest music returns to be remembered Until the late 1980s, music that criticized the government was prohibited. Undeterred, students and laborers working outside the universities wrote songs and spread them remarkably from city to city by word of mouth. A new album traces the protest music of South Korea 10 November 2004 'Kill Bush' rappers rapped by US Gatans Parlament - a Norwegian rap group that criticised US President Bush by setting up a website whose name means "Kill him now" is in trouble with US authorities. Gatans Parlament, or Street Parliament, has defended the exercise as a satire 04 November 2004 'Anti-gay' lyrics inquiry starts The government is considering banning reggae star Sizzla from the UK. Meanwhile detectives are investigating claims that lyrics penned by eight leading reggae artists incite violence against homosexuals and are therefore illegal. 03 November 2004 Zimbabwean gospel diva Fungisai Zvakavapano denied UK visa A London-based Zimbabwe news website quoted a British Embassy official as citing fear that she might not return to Zimbabwe after her tour as a reason for refusing her a visa 02 November 2004 Iran: Concerts cancelled Bureaucratic obstacles have turned into a kind of musical oppression in Iran, reports Shadi Vatanparast from the Iranian web-magazine Tehranavenue.com 21 October 2004 Turkey: Ferhat Tunç again to appear before court Ferhat Tunç will be tried due to article 159 of the (former Turkish Penal Code) because of using the phrase “deep judiciary” in an article he wrote. The first hearing will be held on December 2nd, 2004. Proposed sentence is imprisonment of 1 to 3 years 20 October 2004 Turkey: Testimony - the trials and arrests of Ferhat Tunç "1986: Arrested for political reasons. One week of interrogations, degradations and torture in the notorious prison camp DAL." Read the personal testimony of Turkish singer and human rights activist Ferhat Tunç 19 October 2004 Iranian hardliners cancel embassy music concerts A series of concerts organized by foreign embassies in Iran have been cancelled, apparently due to increased curbs on cultural events by the Islamic republic's hardliners 05 October 2004 CRAG Report: The Missing Cuban Musicians No Cuban bands have been admitted entry into the U.S. since November 2003. New report on the situation for cultural exchange between Cuba and the U.S. 05 October 2004 Mexico's forbidden songs Extensive article and interview with Elijah Wald, member of the Freemuse Advisory Board, on the Mexican "narco corridos" (drug ballads), which are often accused of glamorising drug trafficking and gangsterism 05 October 2004 United Kingdom: Reggae concert banned over lyrics Jamaican singer Buju Banton has been banned from playing a concert in Manchester after protests over his allegedly homophobic lyrics. Greater Manchester Police cancelled the gig as previous performances "suggest a likelihood of public disorder" 23 September 2004 Cat Stevens denied access "on national security grounds" US officials identified that the singer, whose name is now Yusuf Islam, was on one of their "watch lists". After an interview, the singer - who converted to Islam in 1977 - was denied entry into the US 22 September 2004 Zimbabwe: Complete control - Music and propaganda in Zimbabwe The Zimbabwean government records 'praise music' to replace critical songs. Extensive article on Zanu PF and their use of music as propaganda, past and present 20 September 2004 The world's all out of tune: Popular music after 9/11 "9/11 – The world's all out of tune. Populäre Musik nach dem 11. September 2001". New book - in German - on music after September 11, out October 2004 14 September 2004 New US study on cultural exchanges since September 11 U.S Homeland Security and State departments are encouraged to "work together to improve the current visa situation…so it is less of a barrier for foreign visitors, artists, and scholars, and for the presenters who invite them" 10 September 2004 Iranian rapper talks a fine line Chart-topping Shahkar Binesh-Pajouh targets unemployment, poverty and westernised Iranian girls in his new album, which the culture ministry took four years to approve. The ministry passed it only after he deleted six songs from his original ten 04 September 2004 Albums with ‘objectionable material’ removed from Kansas libraries The Kansas attorney general has withheld more than 1,600 compact discs from distribution to state libraries because officials determined the albums promote violence or illegal activity, records show 10 August 2004 Iran: Lashes for loud music The judiciary in Hamedan has ordered that anyone caught playing thumping tunes in their cars should be subject to jail terms or lashes, according to news agency IRNA. "Playing any type of music loud in the vehicles is regarded as a crime and violators will be dealt by legal measures" 09 August 2004 Clerics condemn Kashmir pop song Religious leaders in Kashmir have sought a ban on a pop song by two Pakistani singers. A line in the song, Kachi Pencil (Fragile Pencil), says God has written the fate of man with a fragile pencil 03 August 2004 Hip-Hop Cops: US put Hip-Hop under surveillance A collection of articles on the latest developments in a nationwide effort to place every aspect of hip-hop culture under state surveillance 08 July 2004 Myanmar/Burma: Conscripted for Karaoke Promoting the Burmese governments National Convention, three famous singers are singing a jingle on tv — but news indicate that they were conscripted into singing and possibly blackmailed by authorities 14 June 2004 Taiwan star silenced by China row Taiwanese pop singer Chang Hui-mei, better known as A-mei, had to cancel a concert in China after a protest accusing her of supporting independence for the island 13 June 2004 Threatening borders Visa problems: Fortresses that Western authorities build around their riches dissuadés more and more musicians from risking discomfort and humiliation at the borders 09 June 2004 Malaysia: Malay songs with English lyrics banned The government of Malaysia has banned songs that contain English lyrics from state-controlled radio and television stations 20 April 2004 Explicit Lyrics & Parental Advisory Tipper Gore, the PMRC, and the infamous black-and-white logo: Background material and news articles 01 February 2004 Spain: Basque singer suffers from concert prohibitions The Basque rock singer Fermin Muguruza suffers from concert bans in Spain. Threats from neo-fascist groups was said to be the reason for the cancellations of his concerts 28 January 2004 Kurds struggle to find voice in Turkey As death threats and angry slogans greet a recent performance in Kurdish by one of Turkey’s most popular singers, many human rights advocates in Turkey feel Ankara still has a long way to go to meet European Union standards on minorities 28 December 2003 Thomas Mapfumo denied visa The US based singer was denied entry into Canada on his last tour 10 December 2003 Post September 11- Freemuse conference Listen to the Freemuse organized panel discussion from WOMEX 2003 on how September 11 has affected freedom of musical expression. Visa problems, threats, disrupted tours, changed play-lists, nationalistic concerts and withdrawal of covers are just a few results 30 November 2003 Chinese punk band denied visas China’s only all girl punk band Hang On the Box have been forced to pull out of a UK tour after the Chinese government deemed their music as "inappropriate" and denied the band visas to travel 13 November 2003 China: "opium song" banned Faye Wong's song In the Name of Love, which includes the lyrics "opium is warm and sweet", will be removed from her upcoming album 30 October 2003 Aprehensión dudosa de un músico Cubano Freemuse pide al gobierno Cubano de reconsiderar un caso débil contra el músico controversial de rock, Gorki Luis Aguila Carrasco, que fue formalmente declarado culpable al narcotráfico y sentenciado para cuatro años. 17 October 2003 Press release: Doubtful arrest of Cuban Musician Freemuse requests the Cuban government to reconsider a doubtful court case against controversial rock artist Gorki Luis Águila Carrasco sentenced to four years jail. 17 October 2003 Cuba - US row over Grammy visas The Cuban government has accused the United States of deliberately delaying visas to stop Cuban nominees attending the Latin Grammy Awards in Miami 09 September 2003 Turkey: Singer Ferhat Tunç arrested Singer and human rights activist Ferhat Tunç, jailed for alleged separatist incitement, said that he still faces charges even though he was earlier released from jail. 17 July 2003 Iraq's artists strive for freedom Saddam Hussein manipulated artistic expression so completely that many musicians, writers and artists now wonder if they can ever again find their own voices 23 May 2003 The Beginnings of Zimbabwean Protest Music Extensive background information on the political music of Zimbabwe - with artists like Mapfumo, Brown, and Mtukudzi - and also dealing with the Zanu PF governments use of music as propaganda 01 April 2003 Zimbabwe: musicians get taste of army brutality AS the Zanu PF government in Zimbabwe tightens its grip on power, musicians are increasingly being caught up in what has become an orgy of police and army brutality 31 March 2003 Ry Cooder fears Cuban ban After the US Government banned Ry Cooder from working with musicians from Cuba, Cooder says his latest collaboration with Cuban musicians could be his last 19 March 2003 China 'orders Stones songs ban' The Chinese Government has ordered the Rolling Stones to drop four of their best-known songs from their concerts in the country next month, according to a tour organiser 13 March 2003 Korea: 'The people united' Music for North Korea’s ‘Great Leader’ and ‘Dear Leader’. Article. 24 February 2003 Zimbabwe: Singing The Walls Down Protest music is alive and well in Zimbabwe, where the oppressed and the impoverished find hope and strength in the songs of Thomas Mapfumo and Oliver Mtukudzi. Extensive article, including interviews with Mapfumo and Mtukudzi, as well as with government officials 23 February 2003 Singing Kharabat's praises Several musicians have been beaten up, while many have received insults and threats. But the musicians of Kabul tries to defy the violent and abusive conservatives 24 January 2003 Aghan police beat musicians defying ban Police beat two Afghan musicians and threatened to bomb their office for violating a local ban on music reminiscent of that imposed by the former Taliban regime 16 October 2002 Turkey: Busdriver penalized for Kurdish music Abdullah Yagan has been sentenced to 45 months imprisonment by the State Security Court in Diyarbakir for playing Kurdish music in his minibus 29 July 2002 Heavy sentence for singing in Kurdish The National Security Court (DGM) of Istanbul has given between 3-9 years prison sentence to the band Koma Denge Asiti for performing in Kurdish. The band had been charged with "aiding and abetting the PKK" 04 June 2002 The dangerous music The adventures of Sulhattin Onen, a minibus driver who, by playing a Kurdish music cassette, had "aided and abetted the PKK". Onen was sentenced to 3 years in prison for playing Kurdish Music 10 April 2002 Afghan music: Concerto for shattered instruments, broken lives and new dreams Article on charity concert, organized by Freemuse report writer John Baily, and the BBC documentary 'Breaking the Silence - Music in Afghanistan' 10 March 2002 Breaking the Silence: Music in Afghanistan BBC documentary by Simon Broughton on music after the fall of the Taliban in Afghanistan 01 March 2002 Ethnomusicological research in Afghanistan: Past, present, and future Extensive article by John Baily on musical life in Afghanistan 01 March 2002 Thomas Mapfumo returns to Zimbabwe Interview with Thomas Mapfumo on his first performances at home in almost a year, his new album ‘Chimurenga Rebel’, and the prospects for Zimbabwe's immediate future 15 February 2002 Pre-election tension in Zimbabwe In the run-up to the elections in March, artists in Zimbabwe fear that they may find themselves in trouble if their performance suggests criticism of the government 14 February 2002 Lebanese censors seize hundreds of DVDs and three CDs Lebanese police have confiscated 600 video-DVDs and three music-CDs from a Virgin Megastore in Beirut. 10 February 2002 Popular Iranian singer Googoosh kept out of the US The U.S.-led war on terrorism has had unintended consequences on Iran's most popular artists, who are finding it almost impossible to practice their craft in the United States 10 February 2002 Ngawang Choephel: For love of music The story of Ngawang Choephel - a Tibetan musician, ethnomusicologist and filmmaker, who was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment by the Chinese authorities 20 January 2002 U.S. Funding Effort to Preserve Afghan Music US preservation grant launched a project to record the music of Afghan musicians now residing in Pakistani refugee camps 11 January 2002 Thomas Mapfumo fears arrest Thomas Mapfumo’s promoter has appealed to Amnesty International to assist the musician when he comes home later this month. Mapfumo had been informed that there were plans to eliminate him during his visit to the country 10 December 2001 Il Canto di Malavita: la Musica della Mafia Mafia songs - canto di malavita (songs of a life of crime) - have long been an illegal commodity in their home country 26 November 2001 Taliban Killed the Radio Stars Extensive article on the future of music in Afghanistan after the Taliban 16 November 2001 The banned played on Report from Pakistan, where exiled Afghan musicians fear an extremist backlash against their new-found freedom 15 November 2001 The hills are alive With the rout of the Taliban, Afghanistan is once again resounding to the sound of music. But why does the lifting of the ban have such significance? 15 November 2001 Khoshnawaz brothers keep Herat's music alive The independent Afghan culture magazine Lemar - Aftaab has interviewed three expatriated maestro musicians 10 November 2001 Presentation of Zimbabwe report by Banning Eyre The author of the Freemuse report "Playing with Fire: Fear and Self-Censorship in Zimbabwean Music", Banning Eyre, introduces his work on this video from WOMEX 2001. 30 October 2001 Zimbabwe: Bekithemba Khumalo plays with fire Zimbabwean musician Bekithemba Khumalo is having trouble marketing his latest song, which is provocatively titled The President is a Thief 31 August 2001 USA: Feminist critique censored for indecency Sarah Jones’ song ‘Your revolution’ was censored for indecency. Ironically, Jones’s song is in fact feminist critique and a statement against indecency 30 June 2001 Ismail Türüt facing trial Ismail Türüt, Turkish folk singer, is accused of "praising an act which is considered a crime" in a song that he had prepared for the election campaign of Sevki Yilmaz, an MP linked to the now banned Welfare Party 22 February 2001 Appeal from Intl. PEN: Kurdish performers banned The international arts community is concerned by a disturbing number of cases involving the banning of songs and plays performed in the Kurdish language in Turkey 01 February 2001 Kurdish songs banned Kurdish music groups harrassed by local authorities (December 2000) 10 January 2001 Mugabe songs falls flat A lighting engineer has been charged with inciting hostility against Robert Mugabe after shining a spotlight on portraits of the Zimbabwean president during a live performance of a popular song about old age 02 January 2001 Miguel Angel Estrella Statement from the distinguished Argentinian musician. 01 January 2001 Marcel Khalife - the blasphemy trials The story of Marcel Khalife - accused of blasphemy in 1999 for ‘insulting religious values by using a verse from the chapter of the Holy Qur’an in a song’ 01 January 2001