Manaal wins 2025 K-POP Festival at Makerere University

Manal Mohammed, a contestant from Somalia, emerged victorious at this year's 2025 K-POP Festival, outshining thirteen other competitors.

The event, which took place at Makerere University's main building on Saturday, celebrates Korean popular music through singing and dancing contests open to both solo performers and groups. 

Despite having participated twice before without significant success, Manal, a standout performer from the Najjera Dream Tree Dancing Club, demonstrated her talent and secured the grand prize of sh2.5 million.

Manal Mohammed performs during this year’s 2025 K-POP Festival held at Makerere University main building, November 8, 2025. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

This festival was held alongside the tenth Korea Ambassador's Cup Taekwondo Championship, which concluded on Sunday at Lugogo. Manal, who also volunteers with an NGO in Najjeera that mentors youth, outperformed drum dancers Akram Mawanda and Faith Ahaisibwe, who received sh1.5 million, sh500,000, and sh300,000 respectively, for their second, third, and fourth-place finishes in the competition that featured thirteen participants.

The audience was enthralled by her rendition of 'Drip by BabyMonster' by Icky Kard, and her graceful movements left the judges in admiration.

Manal admitted that while she had initially leaned towards Indian dance because it demanded less exertion, she discovered K-Pop to be a rewarding experience despite its initial difficulties, particularly as this was her third endeavor to secure victory.

She conceded that her earlier performances, although set to music she loved, had been wanting in terms of energy.However, for this competition, she adopted a new approach, fueled by renewed vigor and guidance from her manager, Lee Jimin, who encouraged her to increase her performance energy.

“I’m generally a lover of Indian dances because you don’t need a lot of energy to perform them, but when I joined K-Pop, it was fun, and I enjoyed the dances, but it was difficult for me in the beginning because I won on my third attempt,” Manaal said.

Korean Ambassador to Uganda Park Sung-soo (3rd right) poses with the overall winner Manal Mohammed (4th right) and the other finalists and award winners after the 2025 K-POP Festival at Makerere University, Novemeber 8, 2025. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“I didn’t have the energy in the beginning despite I liking the music but this time I came with a different mindset, with renewed energy and I was guided by my manager Lee Jimin, who encouraged me to add more energy.

“This win means a lot to me and it shows that if you set your mind to think positively, you can actually achieve your goals. I went to the stage with a lot of confidence despite the stiff competition, and I managed to win,” Manaal stated.

She said she will now continue sharpening her dances for future competitions and engagements.

Hur Tae Yang, the founder of the dance group, said Manaal was at first a reserved girl, but they trained her to get her out of her comfort zone and taught her how to overcome her fear.

“Many people think they are stuck, not capable, and not good enough, but Ugandans are more than capable people who can stand for their dreams. So we train people to have a mindset change,” Yang noted. 

In his speech before the awards ceremony, Korean Ambassador to Uganda Park Sung-soo hailed the participants for their passion and energetic performances before he thanked the university management for providing the venue for the competition and for their strong support.

He also thanked the Chungju Yeonseohoe, a traditional troupe from Korea for their performance that exhibited the beauty of Korean calligraphy and dance and the UPDF for their powerful and inspiring performance.

“The true stars of today’s festival are all of you who took part in the competition and showcased the very essence of K-pop songs and dances. I warmly congratulate all the winners of today’s festival,” Park said.

“I believe K-Pop—along with K-drama, K-movie, K-food, and more is no longer just a Korean asset but a global treasure. It attracts young people from all around the world, regardless of gender, skin color, race, language, nationality, or even political background.

“Simply put, K-pop brings people together, connecting hearts across borders. I hope this festival will remain in your hearts as a moment of inspiration, joy, and passion.