Ahmad Wali was a famous pop singer in Kabul, Aghanistan; he fled to Pakistan, and then Germany, following the Russian invasion. I met with him in Bonn, Germany to invite him to  perform in the USA, where he enjoyed a large following among the Afghan community. Wali had already been giving concerts in larger venues in Germany. Afghanistan, long, long at the crossroads of numerous important cultures, was a great synthesizer of melodies and sounds. The pop musicians listened to everything they possibly could, via radio; tourists bearing cassettes; television; film (mainly from India and the USA); and live concerts. Somehow they were able to take in all of it, and produce a sound that was unique and thrilling. I produced several of his concerts in cooperation with the World Music Institute,and to benefit the International Rescue Committee.

http://www.ahmadwalimusic.info/