Silk Road Secret Agents
11.26.24
Silk Road Secret Agents is Discotchari’s monthly debriefing of music that highlights the fusion of musical movements around the world and throughout the ages with ethnic identities rooted in the diverse Silk Road region. We also dive deep into the history of artists whose life stories and music evoke dramatic cinema fit for Tarantino, Kiarostami, Wong Kar-Wai, Youssef Chahine and other legendary directors. These artists often times relied on their musical talent to navigate complex social structures, unite people from different backgrounds, and preserve their ethnic roots by reimagining them in new forms: inspiring the name “Silk Road Secret Agents”.
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Anaristan Saaz is an emerging indie Afghan-owned record label and revival preservation project dedicated to uncovering and celebrating the rich musical heritage of Afghanistan and its diaspora. Their mission is to reconnect the Afghan diaspora with their cultural roots through music while ensuring that the talents of both past and present musicians are recognized and preserved, rather than fading into obscurity. Launched in 2024 after a pivotal meeting between SF-based archivist and DJ omjvinyls and Afghan female DJ TAīīZ (Taīz Nawab) at the “Afghanistan’s Hidden Music Treasures” event in Hamburg, Germany; the label is committed to showcasing the diverse genres of Afghan music through engaging video content, talks and as well as vinyl and cassette releases. They aim to educate the world about Afghanistan’s vibrant culture and heritage while fostering an inclusive platform that honors all Afghan ethnic groups and genders.
Tracklist:
Unknown Artist – Afghan Jazz Music Instrumental [1978]
Ustad Hamahang – Shawki Maro (“Don’t Tease Me”) [Year Unknown]
Bangicha – Ala Ala Shireen Jan (“My Dream, Sweetheart”) [Mid-1970s]
Ustad Hashim and Ustad Ghulam Nabi – Kharabati Instrumental [1976]
Ustad Mahwash – Dokhtare Kochi Astom (“Nomad Girl”) [1976]
Salma Jahani and Radio Kabul Band – Bia Aye Negara (“Come, My Beloved”) [1973]
Ustad Jalil Zoland and Ustad Nangyalai (Trumpet) – Qurbane Qalbe Man Wafaya (“Sacrifice of My Faithful Heart”) [Mid-1970s]
Zahir Howaida – Du Chashmetu Jane Sharab Be Mana (“Your Two Eyes Are Intoxicating to Me”) [1977]
Nashenas and Studio Musicians – Sangin De Yame (“This Heavy Moment”) [1977]
Studio Musicians – Improv [1978]
Rahim Ghamzadah and Studio Musicians – Mohammad (PBUH) Dai Khairulbashar (“Cover of Lal Meri”) [1974-75]
Gorohe Payam – Shukre Khudah (“Thank God”) [1974]
Zabiullah Amanyar – Janam Leyley (“My Darling Leyley”) [1980]
Ustad Nangyalai (Trumpet) and Studio Musicians – Jamal Jamalo Instrumental [1975-76]
Gorohe Setaraha (Stars Band) – Tahna Shodam Tanha Instrumental (“I’ve Become Lonely”) [1975-76]
Gorohe Payam – Psychedelic Instrumental [1975]
Gorohe Setaraha and Ahmad Zahir – Dooset Eshqam (“My Love, I Adore You”) [Year Unknown]
Homa – Ala Waei (“Oh, Wow”) [1994]
Rohullah Roheen – Jan Damarakam (“My Life, My Heartbeat”) [1990s]
Farid Samim – Qataghani (Traditional Folk Genre) [1990s]
Habib Qaderi – Shireen Jan (“My Dear Shireen”) [1995]
Haider Salim – Meram Shewakhi (“I’ll Go to Your Shewakhi”) [1995]
Wahid Wafa – Anar Anar (“Pomegranate”) [1997]
Asad Badie – Larsha Nangarhar (“Let’s Go to Nangarhar”) [1999]
Qader Eshpari – Maida Maida (“Slowly, Slowly”) [1999]
Sakhi Karimi – Instrumental Maida (“Slowly”) [1996]
Unknown Artist – Rubab and Casio Keyboard Instrumental [1994]
