"Chechnya Implements Music Ban Based on Tempo in Cultural Crackdown"
Chechnya has instituted limits on musical tempo, requiring all musical, vocal, and choreographic works to be between 80 and 116 beats per minute (BPM) in an effort to align with the "Chechen mentality." This move could potentially ban much of the modern pop pantheon, including songs by Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and The Beatles. The culture ministry's announcement, approved by Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, aims to preserve the cultural heritage and traditions of the conservative Muslim-majority republic, despite facing criticism for rights violations and repressions against the LGBTQ community.