Nigerian Dancer Bendancer Attempts Guinness World Record With Seven-Day Non-Stop Dance Marathon
A Nigerian dancer has taken on one of the toughest endurance challenges in performing arts: dancing non-stop for seven days. Benjamin Daniel Gabriel, popularly known as Bendancer, set out to dance for 168 hours at Freedom Park in Lagos in an attempt to claim the Guinness World Records title for the Longest Dance Marathon by an Individual.
The Challenge
The attempt was scheduled to run from September 21 to September 27, 2026. Bendancer, a contemporary dancer, choreographer and founder of Bendancer Academy International, planned to keep moving continuously for the full week under strict Guinness World Records rules. Organisers said every hour would be timed, filmed and witnessed, with the event streamed to viewers around the world. Medical standby, security and evidence logging were part of the setup, which required significant resources.
Why He Did It
Bendancer said dance has shaped every part of who he is and that the attempt is about more than a record. He said he wants to show young people that discipline, resilience and belief can turn what seems impossible into reality. The feat is also meant to highlight the richness and resilience of African dance culture on a global stage.
A Career Built on Movement
He has more than 18 years of professional experience in choreography, creative direction, dance consultancy, modelling and fitness instruction. A defining moment in his career came when he joined Made Kuti and The Movement, becoming the first and only male dance artist in the history of the Kuti family to perform within their tradition at the New Afrika Shrine.
Open to the Public
For the entire week, Freedom Park was open to the public. Artistes, cultural stakeholders, corporate partners and fans were invited to gather, show solidarity and experience Nigerian dance culture first-hand. The former colonial prison, now a cultural hub on Lagos Island, provided a fitting stage for the event.
Backers and Partners
The marathon was supported by Inspiro Productions, which handled media access, operational coverage and press logistics. Other partners included Eventport, Aurelia African Fashion, Bethcare, Freedom Park, Robo Fitness, Bulux, The Kuti Family, Ishine Worldwide, Offbalance Podcast and the Guild of Nigerian Dancers. Bendancer also invited media houses, corporate sponsors and development partners to join the milestone.
A Growing Trend of Nigerian Record Attempts
The bid adds to a series of Nigerian endurance attempts in recent years. Chess master Tunde Onakoya played a marathon in New York’s Times Square, and magician Faddothegreat set a record for the longest magic show by an individual. An earlier dance marathon attempt in Lagos was never clearly recognised, and the record listed for years was held by India’s Kalamandalam Hemaletha at about 123 hours.
How Records Are Confirmed
Even after an attempt ends, a record is not official until Guinness World Records reviews the evidence. That process can take weeks or longer, as reviewers check footage, witness statements and compliance with rules such as permitted rest breaks.
What Comes Next
Supporters are waiting to hear the outcome and whether the result will be verified. Whatever the verdict, the attempt has put a spotlight on Nigerian dance and on the discipline required to push the body to its limits.
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