Nigerian contemporary dancer, choreographer and founder of Bendancer Academy International, Benjamin Daniel Gabriel, popularly known as Bendancer, is set to attempt a new Guinness World Record for the Longest Dance Marathon by an Individual.
The gruelling seven-day endurance challenge will see him dance non-stop for 168 hours, from 21 to 27 September at Freedom Park, Lagos.
The marathon is being backed by Inspiro Productions, which is handling media access, operational coverage and press logistics for the duration of the event, alongside other partners including Eventport, Aurelia African Fashion, Bethcare, Freedom Park, Robo Fitness, Bulux, The Kuti Family, Ishine Worldwide, Offbalance Podcast, Gond and others.
The feat is designed to demonstrate not just physical stamina under strict Guinness World Records rules, but also the richness and resilience of African dance culture.
Speaking ahead of the attempt, Bendancer said: “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. I’m carrying the dreams of many creatives with me onto that stage. I hope this journey reminds every young African that their talent has the power to reach the world.”
With over 18 years of professional experience, Bendancer’s career covers choreography, creative direction, dance consultancy, modelling and fitness instruction. A major milestone came when he joined Made Kuti and The Movement, making history as the first and only male dance artiste to perform within the Kuti family tradition at the iconic New Afrika Shrine.
His contributions to African arts and culture include talent development through the founding of Bendancer Academy International and serving as the former North-East Zonal Dance Coordinator for the Dance Guild of Nigeria.
In the area of education and capacity building, he has hosted landmark workshops in Bauchi from 2020 and facilitated creative leadership programmes in collaboration with NANTAP, NICO, and the British Council.
His major performances include high-profile cultural showcases such as Felabration (2021–2025), the Big Brother Naija Finale (2021), Trophy Shout International Festival (2021), Global Citizenship 2021, and Project Asia.
For the entire duration of the week-long attempt, Freedom Park will be open to the public, providing artistes, cultural stakeholders, corporate partners and fans a platform to gather, show solidarity and experience Nigerian dance culture at first hand.
“I invite media organisations, corporate sponsors and development partners to join me in this milestone journey for African performing arts,” Bendancer stated.
The Sun
