In January 2021, Scottish postman Nathan Evans sparked an unexpected viral phenomenon when his rendition of the 19th-century sea shanty “Wellerman” exploded on TikTok, creating a global sea shanty revival.
The Wellerman Trend
Evans’ December 2020 post gained momentum in early 2021, inspiring thousands of duets where musicians added harmonies, instruments, and vocal layers. The format perfectly suited TikTok’s collaborative features, with bass singers, beatboxers, violinists, and full choirs joining the nautical chorus.
Why Sea Shanties?
Music scholars noted the appeal: work songs designed for group participation felt comforting during isolated pandemic times. The simple, repetitive structure made them easy to learn and harmonize, while the nostalgic, communal vibe offered escapism.
Cultural Moment
The trend spawned:
- Record deals for Nathan Evans
- Remixes from electronic artists
- Sea shanty playlists topping Spotify charts
- Historical education content about maritime culture
- Parody shanties about modern life (“There once was a ship that put to sea / And the name of the ship was Amazon Prime”)
Source: https://www.bbc.com/