5 episodes

From the fall of the Taliban until its return, people all over Afghanistan planned their lives around Afghan Star. People would pack into apartments. Villages would hook up generators to a single tv so crowds could watch. New Year’s celebrations would come to a halt, all to watch this one show. Over its 15 seasons, Afghan Star spotlighted an Afghanistan that could be: women singing, Afghanistan’s first rapper, people of warring ethnic groups hugging and cheering for each other on stage. And it launched a cultural revolution. This is the story behind it all– from how a ragtag team scrambled to make the show every week, to the dangers they faced for trying to push the country forward. In Afghanistan, a cultural revolution was televised through a musical talent show, and this is its story. Hosted by John Legend.

Afghan Star, hosted by John Legend iHeartPodcasts

    • Society & Culture

From the fall of the Taliban until its return, people all over Afghanistan planned their lives around Afghan Star. People would pack into apartments. Villages would hook up generators to a single tv so crowds could watch. New Year’s celebrations would come to a halt, all to watch this one show. Over its 15 seasons, Afghan Star spotlighted an Afghanistan that could be: women singing, Afghanistan’s first rapper, people of warring ethnic groups hugging and cheering for each other on stage. And it launched a cultural revolution. This is the story behind it all– from how a ragtag team scrambled to make the show every week, to the dangers they faced for trying to push the country forward. In Afghanistan, a cultural revolution was televised through a musical talent show, and this is its story. Hosted by John Legend.

    Ep 4: The Dance

    Ep 4: The Dance

    Setara Hussainzada is one of the first women to make it to the final rounds of Afghan Star. It’s a triumph. And then she does something that puts her life – and the lives of everyone who makes the show – at risk. 

    To purchase original Afghan Star artwork visit www.awastudios.com/afghanstar — proceeds go to support The Noor Initiative, who are on a mission to ensure every Afghan girl has access to education and opportunity.

    Like what you hear? Follow us @kscope_nyc on Twitter and Instagram 
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 26 min
    Ep 3: Bigger than an Election

    Ep 3: Bigger than an Election

    As the sole breadwinner for his family, Shakib Hamdard struggles to provide for his mom and sisters. But everything changes when the young taxi driver finds himself at the very first audition for Afghan Star.

     

    To purchase original Afghan Star artwork visit www.awastudios.com/afghanstar — proceeds go to support The Noor Initiative, who are on a mission to ensure every Afghan girl has access to education and opportunity.

    Like what you hear? Follow us @kscope_nyc on Twitter and Instagram 
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 36 min
    Ep 2: Angels Of Peace

    Ep 2: Angels Of Peace

    Daoud Sediqi grows up in an Afghanistan full of music and movies. Then the Taliban arrive and Daoud becomes a revolutionary on the frontline of the cultural war.

    To purchase original Afghan Star artwork visit www.awastudios.com/afghanstar — proceeds go to support The Noor Initiative, who are on a mission to ensure every Afghan girl has access to education and opportunity.

    Like what you hear? Follow us @kscope_nyc on Twitter and Instagram 
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 39 min
    Ep 1: Lights, Camera, Action

    Ep 1: Lights, Camera, Action

    A young radio producer in Afghanistan is given an impossible task: to create a brand new, revolutionary talent show in just two months.

    Music at the end of this episode from Afghan musician Qais Maroof, contestant on The Voice of Afghanistan.

    To purchase original Afghan Star artwork visit www.awastudios.com/afghanstar — proceeds go to support The Noor Initiative, who are on a mission to ensure every Afghan girl has access to education and opportunity.

    Like what you hear? Follow us @kscope_nyc on Twitter and Instagram 
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 43 min
    Introducing: Afghan Star, hosted by John Legend

    Introducing: Afghan Star, hosted by John Legend

    In Afghanistan, a cultural revolution was televised through a musical talent show, and this is its story. 
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 3 min

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