New rules for music and film in KazakhstanCEFR A2
15 Mar 2026
Adapted from Vlast.kz, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Bagzhan Sadvakassov, Unsplash
Kazakhstan's music scene has grown and some artists have spoken about the January 2022 protests called Qandy Qantar. Singer Yenlik became the first Kazakhstani on the German platform COLORS.
On February 18 President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed amendments to the law on creative industries. From April 20 artists who want to hold concerts must meet new requirements. Contracts will include clauses about permitted material and Article 9-1 bans a wide range of content, including material "contrary to accepted societal norms, morals and ethics" and content about suicide, drugs or pornography.
Vice Minister Yegeniy Kochetov said authorities would discourage unlawful songs. Organisers must coordinate with local authorities at least 30 days before events with foreign artists, and events can be banned or suspended if rules are broken.
Difficult words
- protest — public action or demonstration against somethingprotests
- amendment — change to a law or official documentamendments
- clause — a rule or part of a contractclauses
- permit — to allow something to happen or be usedpermitted
- coordinate — to plan work together with other people
- suspend — to stop something for a timesuspended
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How long before an event with foreign artists should organisers contact local authorities?
- What kinds of content does Article 9-1 say are not allowed?
- If you were an artist, how would you prepare for the new concert rules?
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