What started off as impromptu dance sessions in a Toronto basement has become a source of positivity for people all around the world.
Three childhood friends – Nicholas McDonald, Nathaniel James and Kadeem Hemmings – make up the very popular TikTok group The Basement Gang.
If you’re on the app, chances are you’ve come across their videos on the For You page.
@basementgangWhoever was playing that flute did their thing♬ Vaadi Vaadi Naattu Katta – VIDYASAGAR & Shankar Mahadevan & Sujatha & Vidyasagar
They started dancing together in the 11th grade and haven’t stopped since.
“One day, my dad started playing music in the basement and we just got up and started dancing and every day after that we started doing it,” said McDonald.
“Eventually, years later, it got recorded, Kadeem edited it, put it on TikTok and that’s how it started for us.”
@basementgang2 vids in a day???? @nickk_mcdonald @nathanieljames1 ##tiktokindia ##bollywood♬ original sound – aadil khan
The trio grew up listening to music from different cultures, making it easier for them to relate and dance to tunes from across the globe.
“It’s a good feeling,” said James.
“I mean a lot of people have been reaching out to us saying that they appreciate the fact that they feel seen and that their cultures are being appreciated and it was nice to know that we’re empowering different people from a lot of different places, just through our dance.”
@basementgangHow we pullin up to Latin night ??♬ Baila Swing (Merengue) – Baila y Brinca
With more than two million followers online, they’ve been sending out positive messages and raising awareness about issues that matter – including the recent farmer’s protests in India.
“It comes across social media, ‘cause people trying to put it across and raise awareness. When it comes across our attention, we look into it and realize it’s something that we should definitely stand behind and support in our pages,” said Hemmings.
The group says it is still getting used to the newfound fame and it feels good knowing people appreciate what they do.
