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Benjamin Daniel, known professionally as Ben Dancer or BENDANCER, began his attempt on September 22 at the Lagos venue with the goal of completing seven full days of continuous movement under monitored conditions. The 33-year-old performer had already drawn crowds of young supporters who gathered to cheer and film his progress behind barriers at Freedom Park. According to a report published by ThisDayLive the challenge also seeks to highlight African dance culture and demonstrate discipline to the next generation of artists.
Daniel founded the Bendancer Academy International and has accumulated 18 years of professional experience in choreography, creative direction, modelling and fitness instruction. A milestone in his career came when he joined Made Kuti and The Movement becoming the first male dancer to perform in the Kuti family tradition at the New Afrika Shrine. ThisDayLive noted that he previously served as North East Zonal Dance Coordinator for the Dance Guild of Nigeria where he mentored emerging talent.
In statements carried by Voice of Nigeria and ThisDayLive ahead of the event Daniel emphasised the broader purpose behind the physical test. “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,” he said. The dancer has received backing from Inspiro Productions along with sponsors including Eventport, Aurelia African Fashion, Bethcare, Robo Fitness, Bulux and the Kuti Family.
BBC News reported that young people have been gathering in recent days to cheer him on at Freedom Park in Lagos filming his every move and dancing along from behind the barriers. One spectator Uche Anumudu told the BBC “It’s a beautiful moment. Seeing how far he has come and witnessing him achieve this feat made me incredibly proud and grateful to God.” The public has had full access to the park throughout the week-long event creating a platform for artists cultural stakeholders and fans to experience Nigerian dance culture directly.
Guinness World Records data shows the current mark for the longest dance marathon by an individual stands at 127 hours set by Srushti Sudhir Jagtap of India in 2023 at age 16. Jagtap focused primarily on the classical form kathak during her attempt at Dayanand College in Latur. The BBC has contacted the organisation for comment on whether Daniel’s ongoing performance will qualify once completed early on Wednesday morning.
Local media outlets have documented prior Nigerian efforts in the same category including Pinki Debbie’s 2017 marathon that exceeded 124 hours and Oluwatosin Solaru’s 2025 completion of 157 hours according to reports from Punch Newspapers and Voice of Nigeria. Those earlier bids underscored growing interest among Nigerian performers in endurance dance yet the official benchmark remained with Jagtap pending full verification of subsequent claims. Daniel’s attempt if successful would extend the record by 41 hours.
Inspiro Productions has managed media access operational coverage and press logistics for the duration according to announcements carried by New Telegraph. The event adheres to Guinness World Records guidelines that permit accumulated rest breaks of five minutes per hour danced while requiring medical oversight and continuous documentation. Daniel’s team has not released updates on his exact progress as he approached the final stretch of the challenge.
