RismadarVoice Reporters
September 29, 2026
Nigerian dancer and choreographer Benjamin Daniel Gabriel, popularly known as Bendancer, is approaching the end of a 168-hour dance marathon in Lagos in an attempt to set a Guinness World Records title.
The 33-year-old began the seven-day endurance challenge at Freedom Park, Lagos, on September 21 and is expected to complete it on Tuesday.
If completed and verified, the 168-hour attempt would surpass the published record of 127 hours achieved by Indian dancer Srushti Sudhir Jagtap in 2023.
The marathon has attracted spectators to Freedom Park and generated attention online as Gabriel continues the final stage of the challenge.
Gabriel, who has spent about 18 years as a professional dancer, is also a choreographer, creative director and founder of Bendancer Academy International, where emerging dancers are trained and mentored.
He previously served as North-East Zonal Dance Coordinator of the Dance Guild of Nigeria and has performed at several major entertainment events.
Beyond the record attempt, Gabriel has used the marathon to showcase Nigerian and African culture through different dance styles, music and traditional clothing.
His performances have featured Afrobeats, fuji, jazz and zouk, alongside traditional outfits including agbada and dashiki.
His team said the selection was intended to highlight Nigeria’s cultural diversity throughout the seven-day challenge.
A medical team has also been stationed at the venue to monitor Gabriel during the endurance attempt.
Guinness World Records has not yet confirmed the attempt as a new record.
Evidence from the marathon will have to be submitted and reviewed before the organisation determines whether Gabriel has officially broken the existing record.
