Bendancer to Attempt 168-Hour Guinness World Record Dance Marathon in Lagos

Nigerian dancer and choreographer Benjamin Daniel Gabriel, popularly known as Bendancer, is set to take on a gruelling seven-day dance challenge in an attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest dance marathon by an individual.

The founder of Bendancer Academy International plans to dance for 168 consecutive hours from September 21 to 27 at Freedom Park in Lagos. The endurance challenge will test his physical stamina while placing Nigerian and African dance culture at the centre of a major international record attempt.

The event is being supported by Inspiro Productions, which is responsible for 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.

For Bendancer, the challenge goes beyond the record itself. He said his aim is to demonstrate what discipline and resilience can achieve while encouraging young creatives to take their talents seriously.

“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.

Bendancer has more than 18 years of professional experience spanning choreography, creative direction, dance consultancy, modelling and fitness instruction. He also became part of Made Kuti and The Movement, where he made history as the first and only male dance artiste to perform within the Kuti family tradition at the New Afrika Shrine.

His work in developing young talent led to the creation of Bendancer Academy International. He also previously served as the North-East Zonal Dance Coordinator for the Dance Guild of Nigeria and has been involved in creative leadership and capacity-building programmes with organisations including NANTAP, NICO and the British Council.

His performance credits include Felabration from 2021 to 2025, the 2021 Big Brother Naija Finale, Trophy Shout International Festival, Global Citizenship 2021 and Project Asia. He has also hosted workshops in Bauchi since 2020 as part of his efforts to develop the creative sector.

Freedom Park will remain open to the public throughout the seven-day attempt, giving dancers, artistes, cultural stakeholders, corporate partners and members of the public an opportunity to witness the challenge and support Bendancer.

The dancer has also called on media organisations, sponsors and development partners to support the project as he seeks to place African performing arts on another global stage. If completed under the applicable Guinness World Records requirements, the 168-hour attempt could become a major milestone in Nigeria’s growing record-breaking culture.