The Russian republic of Chechnya has implemented new limits on musical tempo, requiring all musical, vocal, and choreographic works to be between 80 and 116 beats per minute (BPM). This new regulation could potentially rule out many modern pop songs, such as Taylor Swift’s “Shake it Off” and Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” due to their faster tempos. However, some songs, like “Anti-Hero” and “Texas Hold ‘Em,” may still meet the requirements. The Beatles’ “Hey Jude” and the Russian national anthem would likely be too slow according to these regulations.
Chechnya’s culture ministry announced the new BPM limits on Telegram, stating that they had been conducting extensive research on the compliance of Chechen musical, vocal, and choreographic compositions with the “Chechen mentality.” According to Culture Minister Musa Dadaev, the goal is to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Chechen people, including their customs, traditions, and moral and ethical standards of life. This initiative is seen as a way to bring the Chechen people closer to their cultural roots.
Despite being a part of Russia, Chechnya has maintained its distinctive culture, language, and traditions, particularly after waging two brutal wars for independence in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, a strong supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been in power since 2007 and is known for his tight grip on the republic. Critics have accused Kadyrov of corruption, human rights violations, and repression of the LGBTQ community, but he has still been able to maintain his position in Chechen politics.
The BPM limits have been approved by President Kadyrov, adding to the already strict regulations in Chechnya. The culture ministry aims to preserve the unique musical culture of the Chechen people and promote their heritage to future generations. By enforcing these limits, the government hopes to shape the musical landscape in a way that aligns with the Chechen mentality and values, as well as instill a sense of pride in their cultural identity. However, the restrictions may also lead to the exclusion of many popular songs from playlists in Chechnya, limiting access to a broad range of contemporary music.
