Mehri
Maftun

Awardee

Country

Afghanistan

Mehri Maftun advocates for free expression through his music.

Themes
Free Expression / Civil Society
Cultural heritage
Disciplines
Music
Awards
Archive - Prince Claus Laureate 2001

Profile

Mehri Maftun is a musician based in Afghanistan. He renowned for his mastery of traditional instruments like the dambura, the harmonium, and the ghaychak. Maftun has become a pivotal figure in preserving Afghan music, especially in a country where music faced significant challenges. He blends the music styles of Northern Afghanistan's Badakhshan region with elements from other Central Asian traditions, creating a rich sound that spans local, regional, and trans-ethnic influences.His work is celebrated for its variety, ranging from comedy and romanticism to poignant social criticism, demonstrating his role not just as a musician but as a cultural ambassador of Afghan traditional music. Despite the challenges posed by the Taliban's ban on music, he has performed across Europe and Central Asia, including notable concerts in Tajikistan during the Navrouz festival celebrations, underscoring his commitment to sharing Afghan music and culture with the world.