Mustafa Hunarjoo, from Balkh province, on Wednesday night scooped this year’s Afghan Start title after beating fellow finalist Mansoor Jalaal  in the final round of the annual competition.

Wednesday night’s Afghan Star Season 13 finals was broadcast live and performed before an enthusiastic audience. It was hosted by Mustafa Azizyar and included performances by a number of singers including contestants who were earlier eliminated.

Well known singers that performed included Obaid Juenda, one of the judges, who sang his well known song Paiwand Dil to an enthralled audience.

The ever popular Farhad Darya sang a number of songs, including Hanoz and Dobara - which earned him a standing ovation.

Saida Gul Maina, who was also one of the judges, performed a Pashto song with traditional music while Qais Ulfat, another judge, sang Ba Bagh.

Freshta Sama, Omid Parsa, and Seyar Walizada also wowed the audience – so too did Shahla Zaland.

The finals, which lasted over three hours, culminated in the crowning of this year’s winner Hunarjoo.

In the past 13 years, 156, young, talented artists have been discovered by Afghan Star.