Did you know that the famous Running Man dance move has roots in Afrobeat music? Surprised? Maybe not. But if you're curious, it’s like asking the age-old question: Which came first—the chicken or the egg?
FELA’s
1978
Berlin
concert
Yes, the iconic Running Man dance, popularized in the 1980s by legends like Bobby Brown and MC Hammer, was inspired by the moves of a dancer from Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s band. This discovery traces back to 1978, during Fela’s electrifying performances.
WHO STUDIED FELA’S DANCER TO CREATE THE DANCE?
The Running Man first appeared on TV in The Pleasure Principle (1987), a Janet Jackson music video. The choreography for the video was designed by Paula Abdul, a major figure in the dance and music scene of the late ’80s and ’90s.
PAULA’S STORY
Paula Abdul wasn’t just any choreographer. Before she became a household name with hits like Straight Up (1988) and Opposites Attract (1989), she was already making waves behind the scenes.
In the 1980s, Paula choreographed several iconic projects, including Coming to America (1988), where she had to immerse herself in African dance to create authentic moves for key scenes. Her exposure to African culture and dance during this time influenced her work and creativity.
The name Running Man was inspired by the Arnold Schwarzenegger sci-fi thriller The Running Man (1987), another project Paula worked on.
CONNECTION TO FELA
While working on these projects, Paula studied various African dance forms, including the high-energy, rhythmic movements of Fela’s dancers. One such move became the foundation for what we now know as the Running Man. It’s a fascinating example of how cultural elements from Afrobeat found their way into mainstream pop culture.
Here’s the video that many consider The Cradle of the Running Man. Watch and see how history connects across genres and continents.
