YOUNG Tanzanians are set to compete for a place on the global stage in South Korea after excelling in the local finals of the annual Korean song and dance competition held over the weekend in Dar es Salaam.

Korea’s Deputy Chief of Mission to Tanzania, Seungyun Lee, commended the youth for their outstanding singing and dancing abilities, stating that with the right support, they can go far and gain international recognition.

The event, which aims to promote Korean culture worldwide, began on May 14 and is set to conclude on May 31. It started with local competitions, from which finalists advanced to an online international round. Winners of this stage will be invited to Korea in November to perform live at the global finale.

Lee explained that finalists representing Tanzania were identified through online searches and local performances. 

“The event reportedly faced no organizational challenges, with a strong turnout of participants eager to showcase their skills,” he noted, adding that every year, the contest draws many young Tanzanians who excel in interpreting Korean songs through performance.

Among this year’s standout participants is Sophia Juma, who said her passion for Korean music and dance began after watching YouTube videos. Despite not winning in 2023, she continued practicing and returned stronger to secure victory this year.

 “I want to showcase my talent and compete in Korea so that many people can see me and Tanzania’s talent on a global stage,” Sofia  said.

Another winner, Giveness Kitale, who claimed the top spot in the singing category, expressed joy at her achievement and confirmed she is currently taking part in the online phase to qualify for the grand finale in Korea.

The competition continues to serve as a vital platform for Tanzanian youth to engage deeply with Korean culture, build cross-cultural connections, and gain international exposure through music and performance arts.