Afghan Star is a musical talent program in Afghanistan that started in 2005. It is similar to the American Idol in which contestants who are singers, compete for a cash prize and record deal. This program is open to all ethnic groups, genders, and languages across Afghanistan. Every year a group of 3-4 judges travels to the most popular cities in Afghanistan where they hold auditions and select the best contestants. The program broadcasts on Tolo Channel, one of the prominent TV stations in Afghanistan.
Since its inception in 2005, Afghan Star has served as a vehicle for social and cultural change in Afghanistan, gaining attention from all around the world. For the longest time Afghanistan has been associated with violence, war and extremism, however, this show serves as a reminder of hope, growth, and development in the region. In 1996, the Taliban had outlawed singing, however, after the fall of the Taliban, this show opened the door for people to follow their passion for music once again.
Competing in this program is not without struggles because there are people who are against women’s participation in the show. The documentary called “Afghan Star: In Afghanistan, You Risk Your Life to Sing” demonstrates the ongoing struggle between societal norms and modernity. At one point, this documentary shows the moment where a female contestant, Setara, lets her headscarf slip while singing. This incident caused an uproar in the nation, leading to people saying that “Setara should be killed”.
Regardless, over time this program has brought the Afghan nation together and has normalized musicianship in society after decades of censorship. Additionally, Afghan Star continues to serve as a platform for national identity. Usually, discrimination is a big part of Afghan society due to ethnic division and tension. However, Afghan Star provides the forum for people to come together as Afghan, nothing more and nothing less. It’s through this show that folk songs, classical songs and new styles like rap and rock are introduced to people. In 2018, it was the first time that a woman won the competition by getting the majority of the votes. Her success was an affirmation that Afghanistan is on the path to a better future for all, especially for women and minority groups.
Today, millions of Afghans both in and outside the country tune in to watch this show and vote for the contestants. I have been away from my country, Afghanistan, for about 5 years now. However, during the Afghan Star season, I watch the show on Friday nights and even participate in voting for the contestants. A few of my favorite Afghan singers are the production of this program whom I got to watch compete, grow and develop into successful artists. The reason that I wanted to write about this program is that it’s a perfect example of a cultural identity that brings people together regardless of gender, ethnicity, and language. Additionally, I use this program as part of my language plan to stay in touch with the Afghan culture through music.
Here is one of my favorite artist who is a rapper, Jamal Mubarez. The woman is a prominent artist in Afghanistan. Her name is Ariana Sayeed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FB-6mXLPxo4&index=14&list=LLSFx3Zy6PQPv8Td0l93nsYQ
Sources
Rainer, Peter. “Review: Afghan Star”. The Christian Science Monitor. 2009. https://search.proquest.com/docview/405564047?pq-origsite=summon&accountid=14731&selectids=10000008,1006323
Osborne, Charli. "Afghan Star: In Afghanistan, You Risk Your Life To Sing." Library Journal, vol. 135, no. 6, 1 Apr. 2010. Gale Literature Resource Center, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A223749154/LitRC?u=vic_uor&sid=LitRC&xid=f89ad9ae. ;
Comments
Hi Lina!
I really love music and all of the cultural connections it has. I had never heard of Afghan Star before and I was really glad to read about it in your post. I think it's so cool that a show like this is a platform for social and cultural change. I also had no idea that the Taliban outlawed singing in 1996 and I was quite sad to read that. The discrimination and hardships of women were a bit disheartening but I am also happy to see that women are allowed to be on the show. This show is a beautiful national unifier. This makes me think of Eurovision and how it brings so many countries together for a singing competition. Have you ever watched Eurovision? Thank you for sharing this post, Lina!
Lina, thanks for sharing your post on Afghan Star. It's interesting to see how two similar music programs can have such different struggles. Those competing in Afghan Star have to go through so much more discrimination from their society that most people competing in American Idol don't even have to think about. Nevertheless, it's still amazing to see that music is helping the country come together and also that this show provides a way for people in other countries to connect with Afghan culture.
Lina,
Thank you for sharing such a post and I hope all is well. I really do believe that music, signing, and dance can bring communities together in a way that supersedes gender, religion, and whatever else. Your cultural post exhibits the power of song and is a reminder that even through times of hardship, communities can unite and love. Thank you