Drake’s ‘Kiki Challenge’ is landing people in serious trouble

Even as the Kiki Challenge spreads across India, cops in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Jaipur warn against the trend
Get To Know What is The Kiki challenge That is Landing People In Some Serious Trouble
Photo: Internet Virals/YouTube (Left & Centre), Fun Skill/YouTube (Right)

Jumping out of a moving car to break into a dance may seem bizarre. But that's exactly what social media users are doing as part of the latest internet sensation—the #KikiChallenge or #InMyFeelingsChallenge—that's making waves in India too. Alas, it's not just your followers watching you groove; the traffic police across the world are taking note too. But first…

What is the #KikiChallenge, anyway? A quick scroll through social feeds will show you videos where people step out of their cars, and dance to the tunes of a Drake track, called ‘In My Feelings' from his latest album ‘Scorpion'. Kiki comes from the lyrics of the song: "Kiki, do you love me?" But it's not the Canadian rapper who prompted the viral challenge. It was internet comedian Shiggy who posted a video of him dancing on the streets on June 30, hence the alternative names #ShiggyChallenge or #DoTheShiggy. And the rest, like they say, is butterfly effect. What's peculiar, though, is that Shiggy's video didn't involve any vehicle. There was NFL star Odell Beckham Jr, who joined the challenge a few days later and can be seen stepping out of his stationary car. Somewhere amidst the internet noise, the cars started moving. Will Smith, on the other hand, took the challenge to another level (quite literally) by dancing atop a bridge in Budapest, with full drone production that too.

When done right, the #KikiChallenge looks like this…. (not recommended, obviously)

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When gone wrong, it can be as painful as this…

Here's another one from India. This time, with a desi touch.

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Closer to home, several Insta-celebrities—think Adah Sharma, Karishma Sharma and Norah Fatehi—have also jumped on the bandwagon (or should we say, out of?) and shared their own versions with their 1mn+ followers. Further, some Facebook users are plotting on-ground events in Delhi and Mumbai, where crowds get together in public spaces and sing along to the infamous lyrics.

Where does the #KikiChallenge land you? In a hospital bed or behind bars, depending on what you do and where you are. Police teams in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and UP are warning people against the trend with witty tweets. Jaipur police, on the other hand, slammed the challenge with some dark humour.

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In Abu Dhabi, arrest warrants have been issued against three “famous social media personalities” for violating three traffic laws: driving in a way that endangers the lives of others, causing traffic roadblocks or congestion, and using a mobile phone while driving. The Abu Dhabi public prosecution has warned people that the Kiki challenge is punishable with imprisonment, fine or both.

In Dubai, police have warned against the trend, stating that those performing the challenge are committing serious traffic violations. Dangerous driving in the city involves a fine of Dh2,000 and 23 black points. The vehicle in question can also be impounded for 60 days. Meanwhile, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the US has tweeted to remind people that distraction can be dangerous. The Spanish police too are willing to press charges if they see you dancing in the middle of the road.

Point being: Kiki, do you love me? Are you riding? Say you'll never ever… jump out of the car.