Davido’s “With You” Sparks a New TikTok Dance Challenge Sensation

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido has once again set the internet ablaze with a viral TikTok dance challenge, this time tied to his rumored new track, “With You.” Known for his ability to create global trends, Davido’s latest move has fans and creators worldwide grooving to a fresh choreography that’s taking over TikTok’s For You Page (FYP). Here’s everything you need to know about the “With You” dance challenge, its origins, its impact, and how you can join the movement.

The Rise of the “With You” Dance Challenge

Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, has a knack for turning his music into cultural moments. From the “Unavailable” challenge in 2023 to the “Awuke” challenge in 2024, his songs consistently inspire viral dance trends on TikTok. The “With You” challenge, which began gaining traction in early 2025, is no exception. While details about the song itself remain speculative—potentially a new single or a collaboration—its infectious beat and Davido’s signature energy have made it a perfect fit for TikTok’s short-form video format.

The challenge reportedly kicked off when Davido posted a video on his official TikTok account (@davido), showcasing a group of dancers performing a high-energy routine at an outdoor location, possibly a stadium, reminiscent of his “Awuke” challenge launch. The choreography, characterized by syncopated footwork, expressive hand gestures, and a catchy body roll, is both accessible and dynamic, making it ideal for TikTok users of all skill levels. Hashtags like #WithYouChallenge, #DavidoWithYou, and #AfrobeatsDance have since exploded, amassing millions of views and thousands of user-generated videos.

Why “With You” Resonates on TikTok

TikTok dance challenges thrive on simplicity, cultural relevance, and a strong musical hook, and the “With You” challenge checks all these boxes. Here’s why it’s resonating:

1. Catchy Choreography: The dance, rumored to be choreographed by a Nigerian dance crew in collaboration with Davido’s team, features a blend of traditional African dance moves and modern TikTok trends. Key moves include a side-to-side step, a shoulder shimmy, and a playful “point to the sky” gesture that syncs with the song’s upbeat tempo. Its simplicity allows beginners to participate, while its flair lets seasoned dancers add their own spin.
2. Afrobeats’ Global Appeal: Davido’s music, rooted in Afrobeats, has a universal rhythm that transcends borders. The “With You” challenge follows in the footsteps of previous Afrobeats-driven trends like Burna Boy’s “Ye” or Wizkid’s “Essence,” uniting creators from Nigeria, the U.S., Europe, and beyond. The song’s rumored romantic or celebratory theme (based on fan speculation) adds an emotional layer that resonates with TikTok’s Gen Z and millennial audiences.
3. Davido’s TikTok Savvy: Davido is no stranger to leveraging TikTok for promotion. His strategic use of the platform, including live events with influencers like Peller (seen during the “Awuke” release), ensures maximum visibility. By engaging directly with fans and reposting their challenge videos, Davido fosters a sense of community, encouraging more participation.
4. Influencer Boost: Major TikTok influencers, including dance creators like @itsgroovetime and @raehoops, have jumped on the trend, posting tutorials and duets. Celebrities, potentially including Davido’s frequent collaborator Chris Brown (who joined the “Tobestsa” challenge in 2023), are rumored to be participating, further amplifying the challenge’s reach.

The Cultural Impact

The “With You” challenge is more than just a dance trend—it’s a testament to Afrobeats’ growing influence on global pop culture. TikTok has become a powerful platform for African artists to showcase their music, with challenges like “Unavailable” (which garnered over 16 million views) proving their ability to drive engagement. The “With You” challenge is also bridging cultural gaps, with creators incorporating their own styles—whether it’s Latin-inspired moves from South America or hip-hop flair from the U.S.—into the choreography.

Moreover, the challenge is sparking conversations about African dance heritage. Many users are blending traditional moves, like the South African Amapiano-inspired steps or Nigerian Azonto, into their videos, celebrating the continent’s rich dance culture. This fusion aligns with TikTok’s history of embracing cultural expression, as seen in challenges like “Laxed (Siren Beat)” or “Renegade,” which also drew from diverse influences.

How to Join the “With You” Dance Challenge

Ready to groove with Davido? Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering the “With You” dance challenge and making your video stand out:

1. Find the Sound: Search for “With You” by Davido on TikTok’s sound library. If the official track isn’t available yet, look for fan-made remixes or placeholder sounds used in early challenge videos. Hashtags like #WithYouChallenge or #DavidoDanceChallenge will lead you to the right audio.
2. Learn the Choreography: Watch Davido’s original video or tutorials from creators like @itsgroovetime. The basic routine includes:
   • Step 1: A side-to-side step with a slight knee bend, arms swinging naturally.
   • Step 2: A double shoulder shimmy, synced to the beat.
   • Step 3: A body roll followed by a point to the sky with both hands.
   • Step 4: A freestyle moment—add your own spin, like a spin or a cultural dance move. Practice in front of a mirror to nail the timing.
3. Set the Scene: Film in a well-lit space, preferably outdoors or in a vibrant setting to match the song’s energy. Wear colorful or coordinated outfits—Afrobeats challenges often feature bold fashion. Bonus points for matching with friends or family, as group videos tend to perform well.
4. Add Flair: Use TikTok’s effects, like slow-motion or green screen, to enhance your video. Caption your post with something engaging, like “Grooving with Davido! 🕺 #WithYouChallenge.” Tag @davido and use relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
5. Post and Engage: Share your video during peak TikTok hours (evenings in your time zone) and interact with other challenge participants by liking and commenting. Duetting with popular creators or Davido himself can boost your chances of going viral.

Challenges and Controversies

While the “With You” challenge is largely a feel-good trend, it’s not without potential hurdles. Some fans on platforms like Reddit have criticized generic TikTok dance challenges for lacking originality, a sentiment that could apply if the choreography feels too similar to past Davido trends. Additionally, crediting choreographers is a recurring issue on TikTok—ensuring the original creators of the “With You” dance are recognized will be crucial to avoid backlash, as seen in cases like the “Renegade” challenge.

There’s also the question of whether “With You” is an official release or a fan-driven trend based on a snippet or leak. If the song isn’t formally out, sustaining the challenge’s momentum could be tricky until Davido confirms its release. However, his track record suggests he’s adept at capitalizing on early buzz.

The Future of the “With You” Challenge

As of April 2025, the “With You” challenge is still in its early stages but shows signs of becoming one of Davido’s biggest TikTok moments yet. If the song is part of a larger project—say, a new album or a high-profile collaboration with artists like YG Marley or Chris Brown—it could propel the challenge to the level of global phenomena like “Savage” or “Wednesday Dance.” Brands and companies, which have embraced past TikTok challenges (e.g., airlines and healthcare workers joining the “Unavailable” trend), may also jump in, further boosting its reach.

For now, the challenge is a celebration of Davido’s ability to unite fans through music and movement. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a TikTok newbie, the “With You” challenge offers a chance to connect with a global community and groove to Afrobeats’ infectious rhythm.

Get Involved

Don’t miss out on the fun! Head to TikTok, search for the “With You” challenge, and start practicing. Share your video with #WithYouChallenge and tag @davido for a chance to be reposted. Who knows—you might just become the next viral sensation in Davido’s ever-growing TikTok universe.

Disclaimer: Details about the “With You” song and challenge are based on current trends and speculation as of April 21, 2025. For the latest updates, follow Davido on TikTok and check hashtags like #WithYouChallenge.