The Aunty Shakira Trend: Nigeria’s Viral Dance Challenge Taking Over TikTok and X

In the vibrant world of social media trends, few phenomena capture the collective imagination quite like a catchy dance challenge. Enter the “Aunty Shakira” trend, a explosive movement that has dominated TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) in Nigeria and beyond since late 2025, spilling over into early 2026. Rooted in Olamide’s 2017 hit song “Wo!”, the trend revolves around the lyric “Aunty Shakira dance shakiti,” which playfully references global superstar Shakira’s iconic hip-shaking style while infusing it with Naija street energy. What started as a fun revival has evolved into a cultural talking point, blending humor, dance, and controversy as participants push boundaries with twerking, body displays, and even more explicit acts.

Origins and Revival of the Trend

The trend’s foundation lies in Olamide Adedeji’s (aka Baddo) track “Wo!”, released in 2017 as part of his album Lagos Nawa. The song, a street anthem celebrating Lagos life, features the memorable line urging “Aunty Shakira” to “dance shakiti” – a Yoruba-inspired call to shake it with flair. It resurfaced in late 2025 when a TikTok creator popularized a new video template featuring that specific verse, sparking a wave of user-generated content. By January 2026, the sound had exploded, with thousands of videos flooding feeds under hashtags like #AuntyShakiraTrend, #DanceShakiti, and #OlamideWo.

On TikTok, the platform where it gained the most traction, users layer the audio over dance routines, comedy skits, and personal POVs. The challenge encourages participants to embody the “Aunty Shakira” persona – confident, playful, and unapologetic. Early videos focused on lighthearted interpretations, with creators mimicking Shakira’s moves or adding humorous twists, like family reactions or “trenches life” editions where everyday Nigerians join in from modest settings. X amplified the buzz, with users sharing clips, debating winners of the challenge, and compiling threads of standout performances.

The Core Elements: Twerking and Escalating Explicitness

At its heart, the Aunty Shakira trend is a celebration of movement. Participants, predominantly Nigerian women (often referred to as “babes” or “ladies” in posts), showcase waist-whining, twerking, and shakiti – a term evoking vigorous shaking. Videos range from polished dance-offs to raw, energetic displays, with many emphasizing curves and body positivity. Some creators turn it into competitions, asking “Who really won this Aunty Shakira trend?” while tagging friends or rivals.

However, the trend has taken a bolder turn. As it gained momentum, a subset of videos escalated to more revealing content. Participants began flaunting private parts, incorporating near-nude twerking, and in extreme cases, simulating or depicting sex acts. Posts on X highlight this shift, with users noting how some “girls posted their n*des in the trend” or turned it into “OnlyFans”-style content. This explicit evolution has been dubbed a “race to the bottom,” where the pursuit of views and likes leads to boundary-pushing. Influencers like Emanuella and Shaxxy have racked up hundreds of thousands of likes on their takes, blending dance with provocative poses.

The trend’s spread isn’t limited to Nigeria; echoes appear in Ghana and other African communities, with variations like “Ghana Girls Aunty Shakira Trend.” On X, it’s frequently listed among top Nigerian trends, alongside events like the Grammys, showing its cultural penetration.

Public Reactions: Vibes, Criticism, and Societal Debate

The Aunty Shakira trend has elicited a spectrum of responses. On the positive side, it’s praised as a fun, empowering outlet. Users celebrate the “big bunda vibes” and “African booty magic,” viewing it as a nod to body confidence and Naija creativity. Comedians and creators like Notindome have capitalized on it for laughs, with skits that “got everyone talking.” It’s also revived interest in Olamide’s catalog, proving old hits can dominate new platforms.

Yet, controversy abounds. Critics argue it reflects societal decline, with participants exposing themselves without regard for long-term consequences. Threads on X question the trend’s “dark turn,” wondering how it escalated from dance to explicit displays. Concerns about family reactions are common – “Do these ladies not have family who see these things?” – and future implications for children. Some label participants as “retired or active oloshos” (a slang term for sex workers), suggesting men hype the content but avoid serious relationships with those involved. Broader discussions tie it to global influences, comparing it to Western trends like twerking while lamenting the loss of “grace, modesty, and femininity.”

In Nigeria, where social media often mirrors cultural shifts, the trend sparks debates on indecency and internet permanence. Posts warn that “the internet never forgets,” urging caution amid the quest for viral fame. Even parental reactions have become content, with moms scolding daughters for joining in.

Why It Matters in 2026’s Digital Landscape

The Aunty Shakira trend exemplifies how social media revives cultural artifacts, turning a 2017 lyric into a 2026 sensation. It’s a testament to TikTok’s power in driving global participation, with X serving as the discussion hub. While it celebrates Nigerian energy and creativity, the explicit elements highlight tensions between freedom of expression and societal norms. As one X user put it, “Nigeria and taking things too far” – a sentiment that captures the trend’s chaotic charm and risks.

Whether you’re scrolling for laughs, dances, or debates, Aunty Shakira has undeniably shaken up the timeline. As Olamide might say, “Ewo!” – an exclamation that sums up the trend’s wild ride. For now, it shows no signs of slowing, but like all viral moments, its legacy will depend on how participants and society navigate the line between fun and fallout.