Most popular TikTok challenges in the first quarter of 2020

The year 2020 took an unexpected turn with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which although began in December 2019 and declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30, 2020, it wasn’t recognised as a pandemic, until March 11, 2020. Resulting in the issuance on travel restrictions, stay-at-home orders and in some instances, a total lockdown by authorities to residents, as a mass quarantine strategy for mitigating the pandemic.

In what may be described as a coping mechanism, many people have adopted the online scheme of things while getting entertained… and online challenges, have never seemed more engaging. Through a range of viral TikTok challenges and trends, that include the; #Renegade #StayAtHomeChallenge and #SavageChallenge, here are: the Top 3 most popular challenges within the Nigerian online community, in the first three (3) months of 2020.

1. #DontRushChallenge

Arguably the most popular challenge in Nigeria right now. This challenge, popularised by black beauty influencers, takes you through an enjoyable fast paced glam upgrade on a lineup of females, done so, through the stroke of magic wands, in form of makeup brushes. Sort of reminiscent of the Cinderella story and the fairy godmother, now that I’m writing about it (err, that’ll be black Cinderella, played by Brandy Norwood, please). With a major difference being that these Cinderellas’ aren’t dressed up to go to a ball or anywhere. Yep, the stay-at-home order, has them connecting from their respective homes to achieve the relay race sequence in the videos. Where members of the glam team, creatively take turns to complete parts of the glam course and pass on the baton (makeup brush) to the next stunner.

Although this challenge can be stylised to suit preferences and lifestyles, thereby, accommodating for different themes and professions, the Nigerian beauty influencer community seems to be taking the lead on this one, after the challenge reportedly emerged from a video of TikTok user @fayyebae and a lineup of her hot red team. The #DonRushChallenge is set to the tune of “Don’t Rush” by Young T & Bugsey featuring Headie One.

My favourite pick for this challenge:

You don’t rush perfection #dontrushchallenge pic.twitter.com/2xZJrtAgb9
— Ronke Raji (@ronkerajii) March 31, 2020

Beauty influencer Ronke Raji and her amazing squad, that interestingly features @fayyebae. This stands out because not only are their transitions entertaining to watch but their choice of being clad in very fine African prints, is a refreshing fashion statement. It also appreciably incorporates, a blend of their respective and reflective lifestyles that includes: single hood and motherhood.

#BopDaddyChallenge.

A spin-off challenge to this, which is the male or brotherhood version of the #dontrushchallenge, spearheaded by Nigerian rapper Falz, and set to his latest single: Bop Daddy ft. Ms Banks, showcases a lineup of fashionistos and a “fine league” of gentlemen.

My favourite pick for this challenge:

Twitter user @dotunA. For defying the rules by participating solely and still nailing it.

https://twitter.com/dotunA/status/1245183331383283712

2. #SomethingNewChallenge

To a less vainglorious challenge and something warmer, the #SomethingNewChallenge. At least, we can all agree that this was well received. It was definitely more inclusive and participative; incorporating a range of people and families, across co-workers and age groups. A case of the more the merrier; the more diverse the more entertaining and yes, a judgement free zone (showcasing beauty in imperfections).

Whether in their pyjamas or work clothes, people got to join the train of a simple dance routine, set to the tune of Wiz Khalifa feat. Ty Dolla $ign (Something New), and accompanied with alternate elbow shifts to the left and right, a jerky arm Harlem Shake and a clap at the end before exiting the frame for the next in line.

My favourite pick for this challenge:

Nigerian Billionaire and Chairman of UBA, Tony Elumelu and his family. Asides the hilarious clap, it was interesting to watch and have join the trend, a perceived corporate figure, kicking back with his family and having fun regardless.

Having a quiet birthday with the family and my daughter said we should do the #SomethingNewChallenge!!

Apart from the clap I think I did a good job. 😂😂 #TOEWay #FamilyFirst #Birthday #BirthdayBehaviour #Family #Elumelu #Triller pic.twitter.com/pp2p59cqJC
— Tony O. Elumelu, CFR (@TonyOElumelu) March 22, 2020

3. #FlipTheSwitchChallenge

The viral sensation that started on TikTok and gained a lot of momentum across other social media platforms, is a switch trade in personalities and outfits majorly between couples, in response to Canadian rapper, Drake’s “Non-Stop“, hinged on the famous opening lyrics: “I just made a switch, I don’t know nobody else that’s doin’ it”. According to Time, the original clip appears to have started with a couple with TikTok account @dallinxbella.

My favourite pick for this challenge:

Nigerian actor, Toni Tones and her 70 year-young mother. This showed how refreshing it was to incorporate a parent as opposed to the more popular, couple routine. The video also reinforces a friendlier representation of the Nigerian/African mother, away from the stereotypical representation of the killjoy African mother.