The Taliban may have destroyed Majid Qiyam’s musical instruments, but they couldn’t stop his love of music.
The journalist and musician lived happily in Afghanistan until the Taliban took power in 1996 and outlawed the playing of music.
One day, soldiers broke into his home and smashed his instruments as well as destroyed other items in the house. He and the rest of the family were forced to flee.
Today, the Richmond, B.C., resident enjoys the freedom of playing Afghan folk, Indian classical and Western music.
Qiyam will share his unique flavour of music during a free concert at the Hub on Ross Street on New Year’s Day on Saturday at 6 p.m.
King Donair is sponsoring the event and will provide Middle Eastern food during intermission between 6 and 8 p.m.
The concert is offered in partnership between The Hub on Ross, located at 4936 Ross St., and the Central Alberta Diversity Association.