Dancing Pallbearers Respond To Viral Fame, Deliver Message To Quarantine Breakers

The Dancing Pallbearers hold the most popular funeral processions online. Moving in perfect rhythm with a casket on their shoulders, Ghana's coffin dancers have achieved viral fame as a symbol for grave mistakes, becoming the de facto video for those about to pay the ultimate price.

The group first appeared on the Internet's radar in a 2017 BBC News Africa report. But it wasn't until earlier this year that they exploded in viral popularity when a Tiktoker paired their coffin dance with the EDM hit "Astronomia".

The BBC recently caught up with the group to hear their thoughts on their newfound fame.

"People keep calling me to tell me that 'Hey, your video is being used on the internet, social media, everywhere, it's going viral,' said Benajmin Aidoo, the leader of Ghana's Dancing Pallbearers, Nana Otafrija Pallbearing Services. "I was very grateful."

Aidoo goes on to talk about the coronavirus and how it has affected his business. However, he feels optimistic about the future. After the pandemic ends, he plans to travel the world, teaching people how to show respect for the dead properly.

He didn't stop there. In a video on Twitter, Aidoo and his team show thanks to the healthcare workers around the world. They also have a message for those who break quarantine: "Stay at home or dance with us."

From NANA OTAFRIJA to all the doctors in the world 🌍 Thank you 👏🏻 Mention 👇🏻 all the doctors out there with your country flag. #COVIDー19 #CoffinMeme #benjaminaidoo #nanaotafrija #CoffinDance #Doctors pic.twitter.com/OVrv5Ib8pz

— Benjamin Aidoo (@nanaotafrija) May 5, 2020