Music is a form of art that represents different cultures, traditions and ways of life. It should be a right for citizens in all regions of the world to be able to perform music representing their region, but unfortunately in Iraq this doesnt hold true. "Musicians, music shop owners and music fans flee from death squads of Islamic extremists in Baghdad. It is no longer safe to sell music in central and southern Iraq, reported Associated Press on 16 March 2007."(AP)
These Islamic Extremists put pressure on anybody associated with music to close down their operations. Their have been many killings associated with this operation of stopping music from getting out to the Iraqi public. According to Free Muse
"In November 2006, it was reported by a UN news agency that at least 75 singers have been killed since the turmoil began in Iraq in 2003, among these the 20-year-old singer Muhammad Jabry whose decapitated body was found with a note saying that "this was the destiny of those who sing American words".
Many Iraqi citizens are scared to walk down the street listening to music especially if it is Western based music. If you are seen listening to western music extremists feel as if your supporting the American troops, and everything they stand for. You are labeled a devil, and corrupted. With this being said many of the citizens who really love music find ways. Alot of the Iraqi population who love music turn to the internet or their mobile phones so they wont be judged.
Even with these strict guidlines there are people who put their life on he line just to sell, perform or teach the music they love. In 2006 a Music teacher in Baghdad changes her car every day just so the Islamic Extremists wont track her. She knows its not recieved well by these people, but she knows its for a greater cause. She feels as if these people disallowing the music are blaming music for corruption and that isnt right. She has elluded gunmen while driving numerous times. A young artist who plays a lute is scared to walk in the streets with his instrument. If it is found he will be gunned down. He was asked why he takes such a risk, and he answers by saying he just loves the art. He then goes on to say he rather be known as a singer than a killer. As you can these artists do not disclose their names in fear for their life. Free Muse shows 80 percent of the artists leave Iraq in order to pursue their career.
This is a example of Iraqi dance Music composed from Kawleeya Youtube