Nigerian dancer and choreographer Benjamin Daniel Gabriel, popularly known as Bendancer, is set to embark on a seven-day attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest dance marathon by an individual.
The founder of Bendancer Academy International will dance continuously for 168 hours from September 21 to 27 at Freedom Park, Lagos, in an endurance challenge aimed at showcasing the strength and diversity of African dance.
The event is supported by Inspiro Productions, which is coordinating media access, operational coverage and press logistics throughout the marathon. Other partners include Eventport, Aurelia African Fashion, Bethcare, Freedom Park, Robo Fitness, Bulux, The Kuti Family, Ishine Worldwide, Offbalance Podcast and Gond.
Bendancer said the challenge was inspired by his passion for dance and his desire to encourage young people to pursue their talents with discipline and determination.
“Dance has shaped every part of who I am. This attempt isn’t just about breaking a record; it’s about showing young people that with discipline, resilience, and belief, what seems impossible can become reality,” he said.
He added that he hoped the challenge would inspire young Africans and highlight the potential of the continent’s creative talent on the global stage.
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With more than 18 years of professional experience, Bendancer has worked in choreography, creative direction, dance consultancy, modelling and fitness instruction.
He became the first and only male dance artiste to perform within the Kuti family tradition after joining Made Kuti and The Movement at the New Afrika Shrine.
He has also contributed to talent development through Bendancer Academy International and previously served as North-East Zonal Dance Coordinator for the Dance Guild of Nigeria.
As part of his work in arts education and capacity building, he has organised workshops in Bauchi since 2020 and facilitated creative leadership programmes in partnership with the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) and British Council.
His performance credits include Felabration between 2021 and 2025, the 2021 Big Brother Naija finale, Trophy Shout International Festival, Global Citizenship 2021 and Project Asia.
Freedom Park will remain open to members of the public throughout the attempt, allowing artistes, cultural stakeholders, corporate partners and fans to witness the marathon and support the initiative.
Bendancer urged media organisations, corporate sponsors and development partners to support the record attempt and contribute to the promotion of African performing arts.
