By Japhet Davidson

Award-winning Nigerian contemporary dancer and choreographer, Benjamin Daniel Gabriel, popularly known as BENDANCER, has announced plans to attempt a Guinness World Record 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, where BENDANCER will attempt to dance continuously for 168 hours.

The event is being supported by Inspiro Productions, which is facilitating media access, operational coverage and press logistics throughout the marathon. Other supporting brands include Eventport, Aurelia African Fashion, Bethcare, Freedom Park, Robo Fitness, Bulux, The Kuti Family, Ishine Worldwide, Offbalance Podcast and Gond.

According to the organisers, the marathon is designed to demonstrate physical endurance while showcasing the artistry, creativity and resilience of African dance culture under Guinness World Records guidelines.

Speaking on the motivation behind the attempt, BENDANCER said the challenge was about more than breaking a record.

“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.

With more than 18 years of professional experience, BENDANCER’s career spans choreography, creative direction, dance consultancy, modelling and fitness instruction.

A major milestone in his career came when he joined Made Kuti and The Movement, becoming the first and only male dance artist to perform within the Kuti family tradition at the New Afrika Shrine, according to his profile.

He is the founder of Bendancer Academy International and a former North-East Zonal Dance Coordinator for the Dance Guild of Nigeria.

He has also hosted dance workshops in Bauchi since 2020 and facilitated creative leadership programmes in collaboration with the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners, NANTAP, the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, NICO, and the British Council.

His performance credits include Felabration between 2021 and 2025, the Big Brother Naija finale in 2021, Trophy Shout International Festival, Global Citizenship 2021 and Project Asia.

Throughout the week-long attempt, Freedom Park will remain open to members of the public, with artists, cultural stakeholders, corporate partners and fans expected to gather and support the initiative.

BENDANCER and his team also invited media organisations, corporate sponsors and development partners to support and cover the event.

Bendancer Academy International is a registered performing arts organisation focused on training, mentoring and empowering emerging dancers. Founded by BENDANCER, the academy provides professional development, artistic opportunities and capacity-building programmes for young creative talents in Nigeria and beyond.