Abuja: On Saturday, a dance group known as ‘The Xtreme Movement Crew’ thrilled fans of Korean music with their unique, electrifying dance steps to emerge as the winner of the 2025 K-pop Festival.
K-pop festival is an event that celebrates Korean pop music and culture, bringing fans together to enjoy concerts, dance competitions and other activities related to the genre.
The festival also often features performances by popular K-pop artists, showcases talented dancers and singers, and provides opportunities for fans to connect.
The K-Pop Festival, organised by the Korea Cultural Center Nigeria (KCCN), featured 18 finalists, 10 singing teams, and eight dancing teams, who battled in their various categories at the shimmering grand finale held in Abuja.
The Xtreme Movement crew, comprised three talented dancers, defeated six other contestants, including Yard Kings, Zoned-IN DC, and the Xtreme Dance Crew, to cart home a cash prize of N800,000 and a chance to compete in an international final.
The dancing group, which performed a Korean song titled ‘Ice On My Teeth’ by Ateez, won the judges’ hearts with their splendid performance.
The dancing group also won the popularity prize after the audience voted and got a cash prize of N200,000.
The ecstatic and energetic dancers excited the audience with their God-given talent and unique dance styles, which earned them accolades from judges and the audience.
Another dancing group, the ‘Xtreme Dance Crew,’ came second in the dance category and received N600,000.
The third position was taken by the Zoned-IN DC crew, who received N400,000.
In the singing category, Macwhitney Myles won a N500,000 cash prize and a chance to compete internationally.
Goodness Ohwodiasa came second and received N300,000; the third position was Onuh Blessing, who received N200,000.
Damina Loka, leader of the group that emerged as a winner, said words were not enough to express his feelings because it was not an easy job.
Loka said the dancing group was excited and thanked God for seeing them through because it was not an easy task and experience.
He said the original boys’ group, which owned the song, motivated them because of their special personalities.
“They have special personalities; each boy has a different style. We just tried to replicate what we saw from their previous performances.
“Then we infused it with our Nigerian style. We have been rehearsing for this competition since February,” he said.
The leader appreciated KCCN for the great opportunity given to them to showcase their talents.
“Korean centres are investing in talent and promoting culture among Nigerians.
“We hope to bring the win back to Nigeria during the international competition. However, after the global competition, we intend to start K-pop dance classes in Abuja.
“The community here in Africa needs to be exposed to the K-pop culture and be infused with the Nigerian style, for such will go a long way,” he said.
Ms MaWhitney Miyle, winner in the singing category, said she was able to win due to her efforts, adding that she had been preparing for the competition for over one year.
” I prepared for this great moment for over one year, though I had learnt the song before now.
“I have been contesting for the past four years, and I won the third position in 2024,” she said.
Mr Praise Nelson, a Judge, said that as a pioneer, he was so excited to see K-pop grow in Nigeria because they were the only team from Nigeria that won the grand prize in South Korea.
Nelson, a past winner of the K-pop competition, said it was not easy to pick the best crew to represent Nigeria.
“To tell how tough it was, the winner won by a point. But my greatest excitement is seeing the growth of K-pop in Nigeria,” he said.
In his opening speech, Mr Jeon Ju Ho, Director of KCCN, said the K-pop festival celebrates the value that continues to rise globally, which stands as its core project in connecting cultures and inspiring millions.
According to him, the event focuses on celebrating culture, creativity, and friendship of global trends born in the heart of Korea.
Ju Ho said a trend born in the heart of Korea has found a bright and special home here in Nigeria, a country rich in musical talent and biological use of culture.
“We know that Korean culture is truly appreciated in Nigeria. KCCN is proud of Nigerians, and we will continue strengthening the collaboration.
“Hopefully, this event will teach you new Korean cultural programmes, which will deepen your future understanding,” he said.
He further said that the event aimed to promote Korean culture and strengthen the cultural exchange between Nigeria and Korea.
“K-pop is popular, so we are happy to present this K-pop festival in Abuja. We did this in Lagos, and we are here in Abuja.
“Abuja and Lagos are cultural hubs, the reason we focus on them.
“Nigerians are good at what they do, and we hope for the best Nigerians to win again at the Korean Broadcasting System.
“We decided to do it earlier to send the videos appropriately. We have 35 Korean cultural centres worldwide and hope that Nigerian contestants win in Korea,” he added.
NAN reports that the festival also featured a raffle draw, guest performance, and audience choice voting.
