Benjamin Daniel, popularly known as Ben Dancer, has completed a 168-hour dance marathon in Lagos, Nigeria. The 33-year-old dancer reached his target early on Tuesday morning and continued dancing for another nine hours. The event, held at Freedom Park, drew a large crowd of supporters who gathered to follow the challenge. Daniel's performance featured a mix of dance styles, including Afrobeats, fuji, jazz, and zouk.
Daniel's attempt was to break the Guinness World Records title for the longest dance marathon by an individual. The existing record stands at 127 hours, set in 2023 by Indian dancer Srushti Sudhir Jagtap. Daniel's team said the challenge was designed to highlight Nigeria's cultural variety rather than serve only as a test of physical stamina. The country has over 250 ethnic groups, each with its own range of cultural traditions.
Daniel began the attempt the previous Tuesday, drawing on his 18 years of experience as a professional dancer. His performance showcased Nigerian culture, with Daniel changing into traditional outfits, including agbada and dashiki, during the marathon. The event was streamed on social media, attracting wider attention and turning Freedom Park into a gathering point for young people and other supporters.
Daniel underwent intensive preparation before taking to the stage. His training included changes to his diet, with a focus on carbohydrates, as well as cardiovascular exercises aimed at preparing his body for the long performance. Strict arrangements were also put in place during the danceathon, with Daniel allowed five minutes of rest for every continuous hour of activity.
The challenge drew increasing attention as it continued, with some recording the performance on their phones and others dancing along from behind the barriers. Daniel's team said they were "elated" and emotional after watching him reach his target. Supporters who attended the event expressed their pride and admiration for Daniel's determination and achievement.
Guinness World Records confirmed that Daniel's application had been received and was still active. The organization will now review and verify his evidence before determining whether the 168-hour marathon qualifies as a new world record. Daniel's achievement comes amid growing interest in Guinness World Records attempts in Nigeria, particularly in the entertainment and food sectors.
The event follows a sharp rise in interest in record attempts across Nigeria, sparked by Nigerian chef Hilda Baci's cook-a-thon in 2023. Guinness World Records received over 1,500 applications from Nigeria within two months of her record, covering activities such as reading, singing, and crocheting. Daniel's performance will now face the formal Guinness verification process, with his team required to submit the necessary evidence.
Key points
- Ben Dancer completed a 168-hour dance marathon in Lagos, Nigeria, aiming to break the Guinness World Record for longest dance marathon by an individual.
- The existing record stands at 127 hours, set in 2023 by Indian dancer Srushti Sudhir Jagtap.
- Daniel's team must submit evidence to Guinness World Records for verification before a new record can be confirmed.
