Have you ever watched something so simple yet so profoundly joyful that it just made you smile? That’s the magic of Matt Harding, or as many know him, “Where the Hell is Matt?” This self-proclaimed “deadbeat from Connecticut” traded video game creation for global exploration and, in doing so, gifted the world with something truly special: his iconic, Goofy Dance.
Matt’s story began when he grew tired of his video game job in Australia and decided to travel the globe. But unlike typical travelogues, Matt’s journey had a unique twist. He wasn’t interested in just seeing the sights; he wanted to connect with them through movement. And so, in front of world wonders and bustling cityscapes, Matt performed his now-famous goofy dance, a simple, uninhibited expression of joy, captured on video by his friends.
Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.
The resulting videos became an internet sensation, viewed millions of times. What resonated so deeply? Perhaps it was the sheer infectiousness of Matt’s goofy dance. His wide, genuine smile as he danced, especially in scenes where crowds joined him, perfectly encapsulates a feeling of global unity and shared happiness. It’s akin to the exhilarating feeling of connection experienced at international gatherings, where people from diverse backgrounds come together, united by common goals and values. Imagine the joy of sharing laughter, conversations, and yes, even goofy dances, with people from across the planet – that’s the essence Matt Harding’s videos capture.
One particularly moving moment highlighted in the original blog post is the juxtaposition of Matt dancing in Tel Aviv with a vibrant group and then in East Jerusalem with a small group of children. This subtle yet powerful editing choice underscores the unifying power of simple human connection, even in complex and divided regions. It speaks to the idea that shared joy, expressed through something as universal as a goofy dance, can transcend boundaries and connect people on a fundamental level.
Intrigued by Matt’s work, the author of the original blog post delved further into his earlier videos, discovering his 2005 piece soundtracked by Deep Forest’s “Sweet Lullaby.” This discovery led to uncovering a fascinating, and somewhat problematic, story behind the music.
“Sweet Lullaby” is based on a vocal sample initially misrepresented as a Pygmy song. In reality, the sample is from “Rorogwela,” a lullaby from the Solomon Islands, sung by a woman named Afunakwa and recorded in 1970 by ethnomusicologist Dr. Hugo Zemp. The unauthorized use of this sample by Deep Forest, their misattribution of its origins, and Dr. Zemp’s justified frustration are well-documented.
This revelation took Matt’s project in an unexpected, yet deeply meaningful direction. He didn’t just brush aside the controversy; instead, he created a video titled “Where the Hell is Afunakwa?” Driven by a sense of responsibility, Matt journeyed to the Solomon Islands to learn more about Afunakwa and the story behind the song, expressing a desire to “pay back his debt.”
Where the Hell is Afunakwa? reveals Matt’s meeting with David Solo, Afunakwa’s cousin, on the island of Malaita. Through this encounter, Matt learns of Afunakwa’s passing and gains insight into the lullaby’s lyrics, a poignant message of comfort and care:
[Small brother or sister] keep quiet I tell you, even though you cry, I try to stop you
Even though you cry, I still carry you
This journey to uncover the story behind “Sweet Lullaby” showcases a depth of character beyond Matt’s goofy dance persona. It reveals a genuine curiosity and a commitment to cultural sensitivity and respect. It transforms the narrative from just joyful travel videos to a story that touches upon themes of cultural heritage and ethical awareness.
Matt Harding’s legacy isn’t just about his goofy dance moves. It’s about the global connections he fostered, the joy he spread, and his willingness to learn and engage with the deeper stories behind his art. His journey, starting with a simple dance, evolved into a testament to human connection, cultural curiosity, and the power of genuine, albeit goofy, expression. And in a world often divided, the unifying spirit of a goofy dance might be just what we need.
