“Do what you love and love what you do.”
Compared to other ethnicities, it is unlikely that you would find someone from Afghanistan in New York. It is even more unlikely that you would find someone from Afghanistan that is studying to be a concert pianist in New York.
Elham Fanoos, is 19 years old and native to Kabul, Afghanistan. He was born in 1997, one year after the Taliban seized control of Kabul. During this time, women were denied access to education and employment, and were required to be fully veiled in public. These practices were enforced via public flogging, stoning, amputation, and execution.
“This is what many people think of Afghanistan today. People think of it as a war-ridden country unable to provide basic services to their citizens. But long ago, Afghanistan wasn’t always like this.”
Indeed, Afghanistan was not always dominated or plagued by war. It used to be a normal country. People were wearing western clothes. Women were wearing skirts and did not need male chaperones. All genders had access to education and employment. Even Elham’s parents attended school. They met while studying abroad in Russia and returned to Afghanistan to get married.
Students dancing to music at a playground
A class in American International School of Kabul
Afghans taking a walk
But then the Soviet Union invaded in 1979 and set up a communist government. Babrak Karmal was installed as the puppet ruler. However, ruling Afghanistan was impossible due to resistance from guerilla fighters known as the Mujahidin. The United States, Britain and China supported them with arms. This resulted in a bloody warfare between Russia and the Mujahidin. Afghanistan became a devastated and depopulated country. Around 1.5 million refugees fled to Pakistan and roughly 1 million fled to Iran.
Although the Soviets withdrew in 1989, civil war continued in the country. Rival guerilla forces fought over the future of Afghanistan. The Islamic militia, known as the Taliban emerged in 1994 and rose to power. They promised peace for the country through the message of traditional Islamic values. But the imposition of Muslim fundamentalism was ruthless and strict.
“Music was banned. And my father, a singer, had to practice secretly. It was a really hard time for everyone in Afghanistan, but especially for musicians.”
The events of September 11, 2001, led to the end of the Taliban regime. On this day, the Twin Towers were bombed by hijackers and Osama bin Laden, the suspect, was said to be in hiding in Afghanistan. Bin Laden formed close links with the Taliban and was protected by the group. When the Taliban refused to hand over bin Laden and close down his al-Qaeda training camps, U.S. and the Northern Alliance began bombing Afghanistan. The al-Qaeda training camps were destroyed and the Taliban regime was toppled over. Afghanistan was left in ruins.
Elham’s father resumed singing and is now well known throughout his country. Elham started playing the tabla, a traditional Afghan instrument at the age of five. He and his father would perform together. As he got older, his father encouraged him to play an international instrument, like the piano.
So at the age of 12, Elham started piano. He fell in love with the interest and soon wanted to be a concert pianist. His aspirations coincided with the opening of the Afghan National Institute of Music, his country’s only music academy.
“It was hard in the beginning. I didn’t have a piano for the first three years. But I practiced a lot. I stayed until 7 pm at my school even though classes end at 3. I really wanted to practice and progress. And there’s security guards there because there was an attack during a performance once.”
The remains of the Taliban regime are still left in Afghanistan. One day, Elham was going to attend a school performance. But, before he arrived, it was canceled. A suicide bomber was sitting in the audience. In the explosion, the director was seriously injured and several people died. The school was forced to close briefly.
“I just went home that day. Of course, I was sad about it but it’s pretty normal. It happens a lot. Things are getting better though.”
The opportunities Afghanistan have for music are meager compared to other countries. People in other countries have pianos in their homes, teachers, schools and a very relaxed environment. Elham didn’t have most of these opportunities growing up. He soon decided to embark on a mission: to study music in America. However, it was difficult for Elham.
“Because of the visa situation, it’s hard for people to come out of Afghanistan compared to countries like China or European countries. You have to have a very specific reason and strong people around you. You can’t just say I want to go enjoy my time in America. For Afghan people, it’s hard… but I made it.”
Elham performing at the Hunter College commencement
Elham now studies piano performance at Hunter College in New York City with a full scholarship. Everyday at Hunter College, he attends classes, mingles with other students and practices however much he desires. He has no problems adjusting to life in America.
“I think America made me more independent because I can do whatever want. I feel very free. You don’t have to do anything privately. You can wear anything. You can do anything and go to everything. And the education system here is very good.”
Everyday, Elham reaches his goals and ambitions. When he performs in the U.S., people see a part of Afghanistan that is unseen. Elham wants to show a positive side of Afghanistan to the rest of the world. He hopes he can do so by becoming the first Afghan pianist.
Indeed, Elham’s aspirations will lead him to a successful and fulfilling life. Very soon, he will show that Afghanistan is not a broken country, ruined by war. He will show that there is an emerging bright, young generation from Afghanistan and he is part of it.
“My name is Elham and it means inspiration. I want to inspire younger generations around the world, not just in Afghanistan. Sometimes, it’s not important to say where I am from. Being a human being is important to me. I just want to be a good person and do good things.”
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