How Afghan-Canadians in B.C. are finding strength and unity through the power of music

It's been almost a year since Kabul's fall and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Among the many aspects of Afghan society threatened by the Taliban is the country's rich musical culture.

It's been almost a year since Kabul's fall and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Among the many aspects of Afghan society threatened by the Taliban is the country's rich musical culture.

Many in the Afghan diaspora – including Metro Vancouver residents – are trying to keep Afghanistan's arts and culture alive.

Some local fans were fortunate enough to meet one of the country's most iconic singers, Farhad Darya, on Friday.

The pop star is touring Canada and made a stop in Metro Vancouver.

For Abbotsford DJ Ahmad Yasin, it's a dream come true to perform at Darya's show as the opening act.

"Words can't describe it. It means a lot, definitely," said Yasin, who has been playing music for years and is one of the few Afghan DJs in the province.

"Afghan diaspora in Vancouver, they're very, very keen in his music and his lyrics and everything that he does," Yasin added. "Although this may be an event of happiness ... his music is patriotic."