BBC journalist Faranak Amidi discusses Iran's underground rave scene, where female DJs challenge cultural norms. They explore the evolution of music culture, struggles faced by Iranian DJs, and the hope among Iranian youth for change.
Iran's secret rave scene defies legal restrictions and gender segregation laws.
Female DJs in Iran face professional challenges due to cultural biases, prompting some to leave for better opportunities abroad.
Deep dives
Iranian Underground Rave Scene and Female DJs
Raving in Iran began with underground parties in private homes, evolving into more serious pursuits with DJs, including women. These raves are illegal and held secretly due to music restrictions and gender segregation laws. Women face risks of arrest, fines, jail sentences, and lashes for attending these illegal gatherings.
Challenges Faced by Iranian Female DJs
Female DJs like Nessa and Paramida navigate professional challenges in Iran, where cultural restrictions make it harder for women to pursue careers in music. Nessa struggled within the legal system and faced cultural biases against women DJs. Leaving Iran becomes a common option for female DJs to build successful careers.
Women's Rights Movement and Impact on Iranian Society
The women's rights movement in Iran gained international attention following Masah Amini's death, inspiring defiance and protest. Women, like Nessa and Paramida, express pride in the movement and its impact on Iranian society. The movement has led to increased defiance, with women challenging cultural norms and authorities through acts of protest and civil disobedience.
Mixed-sex raves are illegal in Iran. Partygoers risk fines, prison or lashes from the morality police. But that doesn’t stop invite-only, clandestine clubs from thriving. Now more and more Iranian female DJs are joining the illegal dance floors of Iran and some are even touring the world. The BBC’s Faranak Amidi tells Katya about a new generation of culture warriors.
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This episode was produced by Laurie Kalus and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Sam Dickinson. The assistant editor was Sergi Forcada Freixas and the editor was Jonathan Aspinwall.
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