Читайте этот материал на русском. Kazakhstan’s music industry is currently experiencing a golden age, with a range of new artists coming on to the scene.They also include those who have dared to speak out on social issues and the bloody suppression of protests in 2022.These new talents are increasingly making names for themselves outside of Kazakhstan, with the singer Yenlik most recently becoming the first Kazakhstani to join German music platform COLORS.But as Kazakhstan’s music scene continues to grow, greater restrictions are being placed on artists, despite the government’s official policy to support the creative industry.From April 20, foreign and domestic artists wishing to hold concerts will have to meet new requirements.Events contracts will contain new clauses governing the material of proposed performances.Vlast spoke with several figures in the music industry and event organizers about how the new requirements will affect freedom of creativity and the future of Kazakhstan’s burgeoning music scene.Which Changes Have Been Introduced?On February 18, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed into law a number of amendments to the legislation regarding the creative industries.One of the fundamental changes affects the organization of mass events, effectively incorporating additional restrictions.Vice minister of culture and information Yegeniy Kochetov told journalists of the authorities’ intentions to dissuade artists from performing songs potentially deemed unlawful.These provisions are outlined in article 9-1 of the law On culture. A wide range of prohibitions are included, such as forbidding “content contrary to accepted societal norms, morals and ethics.”