Whatever you want to call him – Choko, @callmechoko, Tio Choco – Houston-based Bruce Wayne Zelaya Jr. has made quite a name for himself as an online performer.
And if you’ve never seen one of his videos before…well, you’re in for an experience.
If you’d like a little primer on him, there’s a 7-minute run-down that follows the evolution of his dance videos from 2015-2020.
When a song comes on…
According to his Facebook page:
“He is best known for his viral videos where he combines dance with short comedic vignettes. Choko frequently collaborates and attributes his success to his uncle, “Tio Choko,” a Afro-Latino cowboy and modern mime acting out stories through body motions, facial expressions, and dance without the use of speech. Choko continues making weekly sketch comedy videos and performs live at various events across the world.”
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Many of his most popular videos illustrate the type of mood people get in when a particular kind of song comes on.
And if you had any doubts about Choko’s popularity, just note that when he posted a 55-second video titled “When A 70s/80s Song Comes On” four months ago, it immediately went viral and now has over 3.2 million views.
So what happens?
For this video, he teamed up with fellow Houston comedian and performer Baffmasta for a “comedic dance vignette.”
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It’s not a genre we were familiar with before this, but we sense it has something to do with the rise of TikTok and the spread of short videos to other platforms.
The Breakdown
So, to answer the burning question, when a 70s/80s song comes on – like, let’s say Kool and the Gang’s “Get Down On It” – you first put on your finest threads.
Make sure your dance partner is also dressed appropriately.
Dance moves are also key and must be true to the era.
If you’re on the street, feel free to just bust a move in public. People will stare, but that’s their problem.
This also works if you’re on a balcony, apparently.
Both Baffmasta and Choko have some slick moves – there’s a little bit of hustle in there, some bump, and the occasional disco finger (of course, the disco finger would be inappropriate for any true 80s song).
Kool & the Gang’s “Get Down On It” was actually released in 1981 but we’re letting it slide because it truly does sound like it belongs in the 70s.
So what does it all mean?
If you’re looking for meaning in these videos, you’re asking the wrong questions. They’re pure entertainment – and the kind you really don’t need to think about (and really can’t think about because there’s nothing to “get”).
They’re dressed up, they’re dancing, and they’re just showing you what your mind looks like when that special song comes on.
Don’t overthink it.
There’s only one thing you can do wrong here and that’s to fail to watch until the end.
They usually get sillier as the seconds pass and at some point, you’re bound to laugh.
These guys are true entertainers at the very essence of the word and they sure know how to capture our hearts with pure good times and hilarity.
Be sure to scroll down below to join the millions of viewers who’ve seen Choko and Baffmasta’s 70s/80s “vignette.”
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