iDEZ GIRLS win K-pop competition in Nigeria
iDEZ GIRLS pose at the K-pop dance competition held in Abuja, Nigeria on July 26. They will represent Nigeria in Wonju, Gangwon Province in September. / Courtesy of Jerry Adesewo
By Jerry Adesewo
Abuja, NIGERIA ― Nigeria is set to participate at the World K-Pop festival scheduled to be held in Wonju, Gangwon Province in September.
The annual K-pop dance competition to select Nigeria’s representative was held July 26 here at the Sheraton Hotels & Tower. Nigeria’s ministers of youth, and tourism and culture and the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria were present at the competition.
Ten teams vied for the sole ticket to represent Nigeria, and at the end it was the all-girls team, iDEZ Girls who emerged as champion. They will represent Nigeria in Gangwon, and received Samsung smartphones and an unannounced cash prize.
This year’s competition, organized by the Korean Cultural Center in Nigeria in collaboration with Arojah Concepts and NTA Entertainment, with products support from Samsung Electronics, was contested by about 30 teams in the preliminary stage held on May 23.
Nigeria first participated in the World Cover Dance Festival in 2011 and in 2012, Nigeria’s representative, THE ELEVATORZ earned them the 2nd runners-up position behind Indonesia and Thailand.
Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development Barrister Inuwa Abdulkadir, speaking through his representative, Mr. B.N. Zoaka commended the organizers. “This is not only an avenue for Nigerian youths to project their talent but an opportunity for cultural exchange and I am sure that with what I have seen here today the rest of the world need to watch out for Nigeria at the World K-Pop Festival in Gangwon come September.”
Mr. Adesewo Fayaman Bay, the director of Production Arojah Royal Theatre and one of the judges, said that the winners have what it takes to make Nigeria proud in Gangwon. “The quality of participation is mind blowing. Any of the team that contested here tonight could have done Nigeria proud in Korea. I am sure that Idez Entertainment, having won the ticket to represent Nigeria will surely do us proud.”
The Ballroom 4 of the Ladi Kwali Conference Centre at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers burst into jubilation upon the announcement of the winner. I was a moment of celebration for the all girl team and of disappointment for the others, especially the energetic ‘Flyhigh Crew’ who narrowly lost to the ladies.
“We worked for it and we are happy that our effort has been rewarded. Most importantly I think this is just the beginning as we need to turn our attention to preparing for the festival in Gangwon. Our target is to win the 2013 edition,” said Desire David of the iDEZ GIRLS.
“I am most joyful for the way and manner the competition was organized ... To the winners, I say well done. And to the winners, I congratulate you. It is my belief that with this and other activities we organize in Nigeria, Korea and Nigeria’s friendship will continue to grow stronger,” said Korean Ambassador Choi Jong-hyun to Nigeria.
The writer is a power blogger in Nigeria.