The Sound of Af­gha­ni­stan

The rise of electronic music in Kabul began in the 1970s, marked by the introduction of electric guitars, bass, and keyboards, which profoundly shaped the sound of artists such as the “Afghan Elvis” Ahmad Zahir and the renowned band Gul-e Surkh. This panel explores the evolution of popular music in Afghanistan during that era, examining how it unfolded within Kabul’s vibrant music scene, and presenting examples from these influential artist.