Rema Awards $10,000 to Winner of Viral ‘Kelebu’ Dance Challenge

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema has officially named TikTok dance duo POP Boys as the winners of his viral Kelebu Dance Challenge, rewarding their creativity with a $10,000 cash prize, a feature in the official music video, and a chance to join him on a personal video call.

The announcement was made on August 7, 2025, following a week-long social media frenzy that saw hundreds of submissions under the trending hashtag #kelebudancechallenge. POP Boys’ vibrant, crowd-pleasing choreography stood out from the pack, capturing the infectious energy of Kelebu with a routine that quickly gained traction across TikTok and Instagram.

Rema’s Kelebu is more than just a high-octane Afrobeats track, it’s a global fusion of sound. With bold horn lines and pulsating percussion, the song draws inspiration from a medley of musical traditions including, Dominican dance music, known for its uptempo flair, Makossa from Cameroon, rich in groove and melody and Coupé-décalé from Côte d’Ivoire, with its energetic, dancefloor-ready rhythm

The Kelebu Dance Challenge was launched just one day after the song’s release, when Rema posted on X (formerly Twitter) on July 27, writing:

“$10K for whoever comes up with an EASY dance for KELEBU. out this Friday!”

This single tweet ignited a wave of creativity, inspiring dancers and influencers around the world to choreograph, film, and share their best moves. From Lagos to London, creators jumped on the trend, hoping to claim the generous reward and viral glory. As videos poured in, the Kelebu hashtag topped trending charts, making it one of the most engaged dance challenges of the summer.

The Kelebu Dance Challenge represents more than a moment, it’s a movement. It captures how Afrobeats artists like Rema are reshaping the music industry by merging sonic innovation with fan-driven digital engagement. And for POP Boys, it’s the beginning of what could be a very bright spotlight.

As Kelebu continues to climb the charts and light up dance floors around the world, one thing is clear: Rema isn’t just following trends, he’s creating them.