17 November 2013

Episode three  takes us to Jalalabad and Kandahar, where thousands of potential contestants have lined up in hopes of being recognized for their musical talents. Before meeting the hopefuls, we visit the Abdul Wakeel Khan musical lycee in Jalalabad.  At times the judges appeared frustrated and dissatisfied with what they were hearing, but they did manage to discover some hidden gems...

 

The auditions were just as diverse and talent-filled as we've come to expect from Afghan Star. Gurdip Singh from Jalalabad is supported in his singing ambitions by his mother, and reaches the difficult high notes with ease. Morteza Ahmadi, a rickshaw driver, speaks of his hopes that Afghan Star will help him reach a better life.

 

Then it was time for our hopefuls from Kandahar. Mohammad Nader Hamta, a member of the national police force, starts out the auditions in Kandahar with a song about the love of homeland, but fails to impress the judges. Abdul-Razeq Aqil from Kandahar advances, and in his excitement continues his singing even as he exits the audition room.

 

Perhaps the most surprising moment of the episode comes via Poolad Masoumi, who auditioned in Jalalabad and  tells our host that he traveled the entire approximately 100 km from home in Nuristan to the auditions via roller blades - and then proceeds to sing before the judges while wearing them! His dedication and talent impress the judges this time, but you'll have to tune in to see just how far he goes...

 

 

Auditions

Imam Jan from Kapisa  - a contestant who the judges noted for his height as well as his singing skills, advances.
Karim Nazari from Kabul - turns his back to the judges, doesn't pass.
Gurdip Singh from Jalalabad, advances
Morteza Ahmadi, Jalalabad, doesn't pass
Rafiullah from Kapisar, doesn't pass
Poolad Masoumi, Nuristan, wears roller blades, advances
Mohammad Nader Hamta, Daykundi - member of national police, doesn't pass
Abdul-Razeq Aqil, Kandahar - advances
Ahmad Fouad, Nimrooz - doesn't pass