Who is Rayyan Arkan Dikha? The boy behind the viral ‘Aura Farming’ boat racing dance

Rayyan Arkan Dikha, an 11-year-old from Indonesia, has captured global attention with a viral dance performed on the tip of a racing boat. The fifth-grader from Kuantan Singingi Regency is now being hailed as a cultural icon, with his poised and rhythmic movements sparking an international trend that’s come to symbolise “aura farming”, a Gen Alpha slang term for effortlessly projecting style, charm, or what some now call “rizz.”

How a traditional dance went global

The now-famous video was first posted in January on TikTok by user Lensa Rams. It shows Rayyan performing at the Pacu Jalur, an annual traditional rowing competition held in Riau, Indonesia. Wearing a sleek black outfit and sunglasses, Rayyan balances on the narrow prow of a long racing canoe, performing hypnotic hand movements, all while maintaining an impressively calm expression.

The dance was never choreographed. According to Rayyan, the movements came to him spontaneously in the moment. He said he created the dance himself, simply responding to the rhythm and energy of the race. In the viral video, he is seen blowing kisses and performing smooth arm sequences, reaching forward, sweeping his hands underneath, and rolling his fists like a wheel as he shifts from side to side.

Rayyan was participating in the national Pacu Jalur race for the first time. As the Togak Luan — the dancer at the bow of the boat — his role was to motivate the rowers through movement and rhythm. He wore a traditional Teluk Belanga outfit with a Malay Riau headcloth, embracing the full cultural significance of the event.

What is ‘Aura Farming’?

The term “aura farming” rose to internet prominence in 2024. According to Know Your Meme, it refers to repeatedly doing something stylish or cool to build one’s aura — a way of cultivating charisma. Rayyan’s composed expression and stylish presence on the boat quickly made him the perfect embodiment of the term.

The dance spread rapidly. Users remixed the video with different music, while celebrities and influencers across the world tried to replicate Rayyan’s movements. Videos under hashtags like “aura farming kid on boat” and “boat race kid aura” have attracted millions of views.

The nickname “The Reaper” began circulating online, based on Rayyan’s undefeated streak in the races. Social media users were quick to celebrate him. One viral comment under a video with over a million likes read, “He’s known as ‘the reaper’ because he never loses.” Another said, “Bro taking out opps while aura farming is crazy.”

From local fame to global stardom

Rayyan’s boat-top dance has since been copied by NFL star Travis Kelce, F1 driver Alex Albon, and members of Paris Saint-Germain. PSG captioned their TikTok dance attempt with, “His aura made it all the way to Paris.” Kelce’s version has garnered over 14 million views. Even footballer Diego Luna used the dance as a goal celebration in a U.S. Men’s National Team match against Guatemala.

Back home, Rayyan was honoured with the title of Cultural Ambassador for Riau Province and awarded a government scholarship in recognition of his impact. This week, he travelled to Jakarta with his mother to meet with Indonesia’s ministers of culture and tourism and to appear on national television.

Despite his growing fame, Rayyan admitted he wasn’t familiar with most of the celebrities replicating his dance, initially saying he recognised Kelce, only to later confess he did not.

The tradition and the risk

Performing on the prow of a speeding canoe is no easy feat. According to BBC, Indonesia’s minister of culture, Fadli Zon, noted that maintaining balance while dancing to energise a rowing crew is difficult, which is why children are chosen instead of adults.

Rayyan’s mother, Rani Ridawati, shared her concerns, saying she often fears her son might fall and get hit by the paddles. However, she reassured that a rescue team is always in place. She added that Rayyan is a strong swimmer, which helps ease some of the worry.

Rayyan said he feels happy seeing his dance appreciated around the world. His friends often tell him that he’s gone viral, something he acknowledges with a shy but proud smile. While he dreams of becoming a police officer one day, he has some advice for those who want to follow in his footsteps: stay healthy so you can become like him.