By Stephen Simon
Nigerian dancer and choreographer, Benjamin Daniel, popularly known as Bendancer, is set to embark on a 168-hour dance marathon in Lagos as he targets a Guinness World Records title for the longest dance marathon by an individual.
The seven-day endurance challenge is scheduled to take place from September 21 to 27, 2026, at Freedom Park, Lagos, with the dancer expected to sustain the demanding performance for 168 hours.
Bendancer, who has spent about 18 years as a professional dancer, said the attempt goes beyond setting a personal record, describing it as an opportunity to showcase the discipline, determination and creative strength of Nigerian dancers on the global stage.
The Gombe-born dancer has also linked the project to the promotion of African culture, saying he plans to incorporate indigenous dance forms from different Nigerian ethnic groups during the marathon. Among the styles he has mentioned are Bata, Fulfulde and Ibibio dances.
Bendancer has been associated with the Kuti musical dynasty and currently performs with Made Kuti and The Movement band. His career has also taken him to international platforms, including the Fela Exposition at the Philharmonie de Paris.
He said extensive physical and mental preparation had gone into the challenge, including regular gym sessions, while acknowledging that the seven-day performance would test his physical and emotional endurance.
Beyond his performances, Bendancer is the founder of Bendancer Academy International, where he trains young dancers and promotes discipline, creativity and a drug-free lifestyle. He has also advocated the use of dance as a vehicle for cultural expression, empowerment and social change.
The planned record attempt has attracted attention from Nigeria’s entertainment and creative communities, with supporters viewing the challenge as an opportunity to place Nigerian dance and indigenous African performance on a wider international platform.
