Abuja: A dance group known as 'The Xtreme Movement Crew', on Saturday thrilled fans of Korean music with their unique electrifying dance steps to emerge winner of the 2025 K-pop Festival.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, 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 often features performances by popular K-pop artists, showcasing talented dancers and singers, and provides opportunities for fans to connect with each other.
The K-Pop Festival, organized by the Korea Cultural Center Nigeria (KCCN), featured 18 finalists with 10 singing teams and eight dancing teams who battled in their categories at the shimmering grand finale held in Abuja.
The Xtreme Movement Crew, which comprised three dancers, defeated six other contestants: Yard Kings, Zoned-IN DC, Xtreme Dance Crew, among others to cart home a cash prize of N800,000 and a chance to compete in the international final. The group performed with a Korean song titled 'Ice On My Teeth' by Ateez and won the heart of the judges with their performance.
The group also won the popularity prize after the audience votes and received N200,000. The dancers excited the audience with their talent and dance styles, earning accolades from judges and the audience. The 'Xtreme Dance Crew' came second in the dance category and received N600,000, while the third position was taken by Zoned-IN DC crew, receiving N400,000.
In the singing category, Macwhitney Myles emerged top and was rewarded with a N500,000 cash prize with a chance to compete internationally. Goodness Ohwodiasa came second and received N300,000, while the third position was held by Onuh Blessing who received N200,000.
Speaking, Damina Loka, leader of the group that emerged winner, expressed that words were not enough to describe the feeling as it was not an easy job. Loka mentioned that the group was excited and grateful for the opportunity to showcase their talent.
According to him, they were motivated by the original group that owned the song and tried to replicate what they saw from previous performances, infusing it with their own Nigerian style. The group had been rehearsing since February for the competition, and Loka appreciated KCCN for providing the platform to showcase their talents.
Ms. Macwhitney Miyle, winner in the singing category, attributed her victory to her efforts, noting that she had prepared for the competition for over a year. She mentioned having contested for the past four years and winning third position in 2024.
Mr. Praise Nelson, a judge, expressed excitement to see K-pop grow in Nigeria, highlighting the challenge of picking the best crew to represent Nigeria. He noted the tough competition, with the winner winning by a point, and expressed joy at the growth of K-pop in Nigeria.
Mr. Jeon Ju Ho, Director of KCCN, in his opening speech, described the K-pop Festival as a celebration of cultural value globally, aimed at connecting cultures and inspiring millions. Ju Ho emphasized the focus on promoting Korean culture and strengthening cultural exchange between Nigeria and Korea, highlighting the appreciation of Korean culture in Nigeria.
The festival also featured a raffle draw, guest performance, audience choice voting, among others.