I watched an absolutely wonderful CBC documentary the other night. This is one side of the Afghanistan mission that gives a glimmer of hope to some young singers.
Afghan Starlet
After 30 years of war and the cowardly taliban, pop culture has returned to Afghanistan. Afghan Star-a Pop Idol-style TV series-is searching the country for the next generation of music stars. But in Afghanistan, to sing, or even participate, means risking your life. Can you Imagine our hosts and Idol hopefuls having to compete with death threats, certainly not.
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.
More than 2,000 people auditioned 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.
Even in Canada the beginning of Rock and Roll on the radio, was treated with suspicion by our elders. Yet the youth of the 50s and 60s prevailed, Rock and Roll continues to be played. Yet the western world of Freedom and Democracy has not fallen.
In Afghanistan a country of many differing views on life, women , music and freedoms. These brave young people auditioned for Afghan Star. The documentary won an award at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and if you view the repeat on Sunday 18 Oct at 8pm ET on CBC I am sure it will open your eyes, in a strange manner.
Star Gazing in Afghanistan Millions of people watched the show. The country voted via cell phone for their favourite star. For many, this was 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.
Setara, a 21-year-old singer from Herat
In her finale performance where she was voted out she dared to dance a few steps and her headscarf slipped. This poor young woman had to go into hiding for fear of her life. Setara's story becomes chilling as she fears for her life and has to go into hiding. At the same time, the series itself and its producers are threatened. In her home village graffiti was was written on the walls of her home Vote for Serena, after her finale the graffiti was changed to Whore Bad Girl you will die for this disgrace. Her loved ones are as frightened as she is.
One other young female singer from Kandahar Province Lema has received threats against herself and her extended family. By the cowardly Taliban. She is currently under the Governors protection in Kandahar.
Can you imagine what they would have said to Janet Jackson baring a breast by accident on the Super Bowl 1/2 time show. Shocking to say the least.
Even the winner a young man named Rafi has been receiving death threats.
The audiences at the hotel where the taping was taking place were josteled and pushed by Afghan Police for going to the show. Inside females were asked questions about their headscarves and veils. The majority answered we are wishing a free Afghanistan and this is our time. Brave or Foolish it is young people like these, that appreciate all the NATO troops who are fighting for their rights and freedom. Oddly enough the documentary has footage from Kabul University in the early 80s , with Music, dancing and western dress on the students.
Recently, Daoud Sediqi, the charismatic host of the TV show Afghan Star, who inspired millions and sought to move people from guns to music, fled to the United States and was granted asylum due to Taliban threats. The second runner up was a young man named Hameed Sadikzade, this young man's name struck me as my brother in Laws name is Sadyk Yayazade. All of my wife's family are Persian and my Niece sings under the name Dani Kerr. With no fear of reprisals as she lives in Scotland. Once again I feel that Canadian youth are so very lucky to live in the western world, where they are free to express themselves in music, dance and the arts.
Well done to all who participate in Kabul may your lives be enriched from the experience and changed for the better.
This show will be re broadcast on CBC The Passionate eye on 18 Oct at 8 pm Eastern Time.
I received this little update recently from the NATO Veterans association.
Here are some facts and figures about the Afghanistan Mission
First day Canadian troops landed in Afghanistan: October 2001
Troops deployed since Oct 2001: 26,000
Troops currently deployed: 2872
Chaplains deployed: Six on average at any time
Note: Canadian Forces personnel who have returned to Afghanistan for subsequent tours are counted as one tour. Figures on how many personnel have undertaken repeat tours are not available. The 26,000 counted are only those personnel who were deployed for 30 days or longer
Total number of wounded as of Dec 31, 2008 404 combat wounded, 565 non-combat
Where they sleep: Accommodations vary from sea-cans(similar to shipping containers) and existing structures to accommodation: tents that sleep eight and temporarytents that sleep two to four
Average time worked : 16 hours per day or 112 hours per week (hours vary depending on whether the soldier is involved in an ongoing mission)
Breaks: Soldiers deployed for six month periods are given a three week break after three months in Afghanistan. They are given the choice to return home or travel elsewhere. Canadian Forces personnel are also entitled to three days of leave for every 30 days in Afghanistan
Water: Eight liters of water is supplied to each person every day. This includes water for washing
Food : Food is shipped to Afghanistan by air transport every 10 days from Dubai
A couple of sites you may enjoy.
http://www.myspace.com/fidankerr
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/04/recent_scenes_from_afghanistan.html
http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Shows/The_Passionate_Eye
Remember Everyone Deployed
Nil SIne Labore
Robby
