Bendancer Nears 168-Hour Guinness World Records Dance Marathon in Lagos

Nigerian dancer and choreographer Benjamin Daniel Gabriel, popularly known as Bendancer, is entering the final stretch of a gruelling 168-hour dance marathon in Lagos as he attempts to break the Guinness World Records title for the longest dance marathon by an individual.

The 33-year-old began the challenge at Freedom Park, Lagos, on September 21 and is expected to complete the 168-hour target on Tuesday, September 29. If successful, his attempt would surpass the currently published record of 127 hours, set by Indian dancer Srushti Sudhir Jagtap in 2023.

The marathon has attracted crowds to Freedom Park, where young Nigerians have gathered to support the dancer. Videos from the event have also circulated widely on social media, turning the endurance challenge into a major public spectacle.

Gabriel has spent about 18 years as a professional dancer and has worked in choreography, creative direction, dance consultancy, modelling and fitness instruction. He is also the founder of Bendancer Academy International, which focuses on training and mentoring emerging dancers.

Before founding the academy, Gabriel served as the North-East Zonal Dance Coordinator for the Dance Guild of Nigeria, where he was involved in dance development and talent mentoring. He has also performed with Made Kuti and The Movement and featured at events including Felabration, the 2021 Big Brother Naija finale, Trophy Shout International Festival, Global Citizenship and Project Asia.

Beyond the record attempt, Bendancer has used the marathon to showcase Nigerian and African culture. His performances have featured different Nigerian dance traditions and music genres, including Afrobeats, fuji, jazz and zouk, while traditional outfits such as agbada and dashiki have also formed part of the presentation.

The challenge has been managed around Guinness marathon-record rules, which allow five minutes of rest for every continuous hour of activity, with unused rest time capable of being accumulated. Bendancer has reportedly taken his permitted breaks in blocks while taking fluids and light meals, with a medical team also present at the venue.

However, completing the 168-hour target would not automatically mean Bendancer has broken the Guinness World Records title. The organisation has not yet confirmed the attempt as an official record and will need to review the evidence submitted from the marathon before making a determination.

As Bendancer approaches the final hours at Freedom Park, attention now turns to whether his seven-day performance will be officially recognised as a new Guinness World Records achievement.