While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world in so many drastic ways, we can’t deny that it has also led to some positive changes as well. The recent surge in social media activity is a prime example of one of the positive effects of the pandemic. All through this period, several challenges have been making the rounds on social media. This is due to the eagerness of millions of people stuck at home to engage with any form of entertainment on social media they set their eyes on.
One thing most trends have in common, however, is that they fade out as fast as they come. Yet, some have stood the test of time and appear to be growing in popularity. One of such is the #DontRushChallenge.
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The challenge, inspired by the similarly-named song “Don’t Rush” by Young T & Bugsey, has quickly become a top trend on social media. In the challenge, people edit videos to make it seem like they are passing objects to each other as their appearances transform from a homely to a more glamorous look.
The original #DontRushChallenge video was first shared on Twitter on March 22 by 20-year-old business student Toluwalase Asolo. The video, which features Asolo and her seven friends, has now attracted millions of views on social media and has since been replicated by thousands of people around the globe. From celebrities such as DJ Cuppy to people of different professions and backgrounds (doctors, lawyers, soldiers, etc.), the #DonRushChallenge became a full-blown inclusive activity.
In an interview with Techpoint, Toluwalase Asolo, one of the co-creators of the #DontRushChallenge, discusses the events that led to the idea for the challenge.
Find the full interview below
What inspired the #DontRushChallenge idea?
We came up with the challenge in our living room, incorporating our love for fashion and beauty, with the view to integrate women worldwide through incorporating what a lot of women can easily relate to: makeup and fashion.
We understand that in a period like this, with nothing to do, a lot of people may slip into depression due to high levels of inactivity and idleness, so we decided to highlight the togetherness in isolation.
The idea behind this challenge was to empower women worldwide as a lot of women have been made to believe that they are not as beautiful without makeup as they are with it. The challenge showcases the versatility and individuality of women worldwide and with its tremendous universal response, we can feel the empowerment of these beautiful women as they embrace as beautiful what would otherwise be considered flaws.
How did the video come together?
Three of us are housemates and the rest are our close friends from the University of Hull but we hang out often on Fridays.
That Friday was different from the rest because we had just been informed that our university was closing down and a few of us were returning to our hometowns to isolate. So we wanted to put something together for old times sake and we arranged the logistics on our group chat.
Believe it or not, filming and editing took one day only!
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Did you expect it would take off as it has?
We honestly did not expect it to take off the way it did. We put it out there thinking a few people would retweet and maybe our friends would recreate it. But we’ve been overwhelmed with the amazing response it has received worldwide, the heartwarming messages we’ve gotten, and all the love we’ve been receiving from everyone. To even see people we look up to recreating and giving us credit; we really didn’t expect this and are all so grateful for it.
Is this the first viral trend you’ve created?
Yes, it is; we’ve never done this before. A lot of times, we do funny things and post on our Snapchat and that’s all but this time, a lot of the people who watched it encouraged us to post it on Twitter.
Has there been any significant growth in your social media since you created the challenge?
Yes, we’ve gained a few followers and a tremendous amount of engagements and interactions.
What does it feel like seeing people around the world taking part in something you created?
It is honestly so heartwarming to see all the different creations of our challenge. To see the versatility and individuality of everyone in its full effect. Everyone reaching deep within for their creative bones and adding their own spin to the challenge has been incredible to see.
Initially, the emotions were pure excitement but now that it’s beginning to sink in, it’s slightly emotional because it’s so beautiful how people are embracing it and how much joy it’s bringing to people.
Do you think you’ve earned due credit for the challenge?
Initially, a lot of people didn’t know who started the challenge because of how fast it took off and how soon people started recreating it.
However, thanks to the few that knew and tagged us, and amazing influencers like Annie Drea, Jackie Aina, and Ronke Raji, to mention a few, as well as Young T and Bugsey, who have made sure to tag us and ensure that we’re given credit, people are beginning to recognise us more and we are grateful for that.
Which social media platform do you use most? And why?
I use Instagram more because it allows me to come to my own. You can see a person’s personality, style, and interests through their Instagram without being too invasive. I prefer to use it because it’s the perfect balance of being private and being out there.
Are there plans to create more like this?
You’ll need to stay posted to find out 🙂 but we assure you that this won’t be the last of us.
Source:
Techpoint
Featured Image Source: Techpoint Africa
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