Why are Americans dancing to OPM hit 'Da Coconut Nut?'

This '90s hit has taken US Facebook by storm
Sep 4, 2020

(Esquire Philippines) "Da Coconut Nut" by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab has become the latest dance craze to sweep across the world.

The novelty song first hit the airwaves three decades ago when it was released by Cayabyab's band Smokey Mountain in 1991, as part of their album Paraiso.

Fast forward to 2020, and thousands of users have uploaded Facebook videos of themselves dancing to a remix of the OPM song with the hashtag #TheCoconutChallenge. Dancer Matt Steffanina, who has over 2 million followers on Facebook, choreographed the dance moves, which quickly became viral after he uploaded it on his social media accounts.

Take a look at some of the videos uploaded on Facebook for #TheCoconutChallenge.

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The Reason Behind #TheCoconutChallenge

American DJ and producer Dillon Francis was behind the remix of the iconic Filipino song. The remix is titled The Coconut Nut Malibu Remix.

#TheCoconutChallenge was initiated by rum company Malibu to raise awareness on the plight of small and medium enterprises in the U.S. that are severely affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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The rum company pledged an initial $150,000 to the National Urban League to support businesses in the U.S., and also donated $1 for each #TheCoconutChallenge post from netizens in the US and Canada for a maximum contribution of $250,000.

Dillon Francis explains how the Filipino song Da Coconut Nut ended up as the movement's anthem. "The Coconut Nut is a perfect lighthearted anthem for summer vibes, so I hope my new Malibu remix and #TheCoconutChallenge can provide a moment of reprieve while everything in the world still seems so uncertain," said Dillon Francis.

For more information about #TheCoconutChallenge, follow this link.

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