- Major Win: Xtreme Movement wins K-Pop contest
- Prize Money: They scored ₦800,000!
- Popularity: Fans love them – they also won the popularity prize!
- African Reps: Heading to Korea to represent Africa.
Xtreme Movement Steals the Show
The Xtreme Movement didn’t just win the overall prize; they also clinched the popularity award, adding another ₦200,000 to their winnings. Talk about a clean sweep! This victory is a testament to their hard work and dedication.
From Dance-Off to Singing Sensation
Originally a dance competition, the K-Pop contest in Nigeria expanded in 2022 to include singing, bringing even more talent into the spotlight. The finals have alternated between Lagos and Abuja for the past four years, showcasing the diverse skills from across the nation.
The Road to Victory: A Tough Competition
This year’s selection process was no joke. It started with an online preliminary round that narrowed down the field to 18 finalists – 10 singing teams and 8 dance teams. The competition was fierce, but Xtreme Movement rose to the top.
Dance Category Standouts
In the dance category, Xtreme Dance Crew took second place, earning a cool ₦600,000. Zoned in DC secured third place, proving that Nigeria’s dance scene is packed with talent.
Singing Sensations
Macwhintney Myles blew everyone away in the singing category, grabbing the grand prize of ₦800,000. Ohwodiasa Goodness came in second, and Blessing Onuh took third, adding to the night’s excitement.
KCCN’s Commitment to Cultural Exchange
Jeon Juho, the director of the Korean Culture Centre in Nigeria (KCCN), emphasized the center’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange between Korea and Nigeria. He highlighted Lagos and Abuja as crucial entertainment hubs and expressed optimism about Nigerian contestants’ potential in the K-Pop festival.
“Nigerians are exceptionally talented; we are optimistic about their chances in the competition,” Juho said. “This year, we scheduled the event earlier to ensure timely submission of videos. With 35 Korean cultural centers worldwide, we have high hopes for Nigeria to emerge as the African champions once again.”
Standards Are Rising!
Judge Praise Nelson praised the participants, noting the significant improvement in standards over the years. “K-pop in Nigeria is gaining momentum. As the first dance team to win a prize in South Korea, I am thoroughly impressed by the growth. Over the past decade, advancements in technology have greatly facilitated the contest. We are hopeful that Nigeria will secure the championship in 2025.”
Dedication and Hard Work Pay Off
Jethro Damina, representing Xtreme Movement, shared that their preparation for the contest began in February of the previous year. MacWhitney Myles, the singing category winner, expressed gratitude to KCCN for the platform, revealing she had spent a year preparing for her performance and had been participating for the past four years leading up to her victory in 2025.
The Future of K-Pop in Nigeria
With talents like Xtreme Movement and MacWhitney Myles leading the charge, the future of K-Pop in Nigeria looks brighter than ever. Get ready to see more Nigerian artists making waves on the global stage!
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