"Afghan Star": CBC Newsworld, Monday Oct. 12, 10 pm ET/PT

Good on them, take a look:

The winner, Rafi

After 30 years of war and the Taliban, pop culture has returned to Afghanistan. Afghan Star-a Pop Idol-style

Afghan Star is an award-winning documentary that reveals the hopes and dreams of Afghan youth, their desire for peace and the freedom to express themselves.

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Afghan Star

Watch the promo.

1:58 min

More than 2,000 people audition for a chance to compete. But in a troubled country like Afghanistan, even music is controversial. Considered sacrilegious by some, and banned by the Taliban when they ruled, music has come to symbolize freedom for the youth.

Millions of people watch the show and vote for their favourite singers using their cell phones. For many, this is their first exercise in democracy, a radical idea in a country still based on a male-dominated, tribal system. Suddenly, young people, ethnic minorities and women have an arena in which to shine and everyone gets to vote.

This one-hour documentary follows three young contestants from their top-ten finish to the final contest in Kabul. The main story belongs to Setara, a 21-year-old singer from Herat. Her modern fashion, Bollywood makeup and movement on stage have made her a controversial figure; adored by young girls, hated by elders. When she finally dances on stage and lets her headscarf slip, there's pandemonium...

A related post from March 2008:

"Talking to the Taliban"/Singing to the people