How Two Afghan Siblings Are Talking The Taliban Head On With Music
In a country that was written off by many of its critics, two sisters are? doing something next to impossible - defying the Taliban. The restrictive measures of the Taliban regime might have scared the men of Afghan society, but these girls, with their grit and resolve, are making the world listen to their tunes and recognising their talent.?
Despite the inherent risks faced by musicians in Afghanistan, the Kabul sisters initiated the Last Torch, a singing movement on social media that transcended national borders. In a recorded video, one sister told BBC that the potential life-threatening consequences of their actions before embarking on their melody.?
Music goes viral
Their debut song, released in August 2021, swiftly went viral, resonating on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. Operating under the pseudonyms Shaqayeq and Mashal, the sisters, donned in burkas to conceal their identities, lack a musical background but have become a phenomenon in the global music scene.
The Last Torch's songs, performed beneath their burkas, tackle themes such as women's constraints, activist imprisonment, and human rights violations. Despite having released only seven songs to date, each has strongly resonated with women across the world, leading to fans posting their own performances on social media, sometimes disguising themselves with burkas.?
Dangers posed by Taliban
The sisters, aware of the dangers posed by the Taliban, have experienced fear and sleepless nights, anticipating potential identification. Despite leaving Afghanistan last year for safety, they aspire to return soon.
The Taliban's opposition to music, viewing it as antithetical to Islam, has been evident in the burning of musical instruments and the arrest of musicians. The Last Torch's defiance through music challenges the Taliban's restrictive measures, particularly against women.?
Threats on social media
The sisters continue to face threats on social media, but their determination to use their music as a tool of international resistance remains unwavering. The crackdown on activism in Kabul, including the ban on women holding rallies and the arrest of those defying the ban, is a backdrop against which the Last Torch's recent songs focus on imprisoned female activists, highlighting their plight.?
Shaqayeq and Mashal's ongoing efforts seek to amplify the voices of women globally fighting for freedom, as they assert, "Our voice won't be silenced. We are not tired. It's just the beginning of our fight."
Sisters' names have been changed in various reports for safety
