A 15-year-old song by Danish DJ Kato and singer Jon Nørgaard has suddenly gone viral worldwide, bringing new fame to a track long thought forgotten.
A Forgotten Hit Finds New Life
A hit single from 2009 by Danish DJ Kato is unexpectedly making waves across social media platforms. The track, *Turn the Lights Off*, featuring Popstars winner Jon Nørgaard, has surged to global attention after becoming part of a viral trend on TikTok and Instagram. Combined views for posts using the song have surpassed 450 million, with 26 million likes and eight million shares according to numbers from One Seven Music. Spotify streams have also skyrocketed, nearing 34 million plays. The track even reached the top spot on the platform’s global Viral 50 chart earlier this week.
For Kato, whose real name is Thomas Kato Vittrup, the experience is surreal. He never imagined that his dream of an international hit would be fulfilled in such a way.
The Meme That Started It All
The resurrection of *Turn the Lights Off* began a few months ago, when the DJ noticed videos circulating in Eastern Europe that used his song paired with unfamiliar text. Assuming the trend might be political, he stayed out of it. But soon it spread worldwide. In the past week, those meme videos have multiplied at record speed.
The viral clips primarily use a dance scene from the Apple TV+ show *Your Friends & Neighbors*, where American actor Jon Hamm moves to the music with his eyes closed under blue light. Originally, the scene had a different soundtrack, but fans swapped it for Kato’s beat. The combination created an unexpectedly emotional and funny meme theme.
In most variations, people use the clip to express nostalgia or short bursts of joy: the feeling of that first sip of coffee, petting a dog, or being right in an argument with your partner. The song’s pulsing rhythm pairs perfectly with those small but satisfying moments that people recognize instantly.
Interestingly, the same energy that powers Danish nightlife and clubs now fuels a viral emotion online. Such digital virality highlights the adaptability of the Danish music scene, showing how older local hits can find new global audiences in unexpected ways.
Sudden Attention and New Opportunities
As the hit gains worldwide recognition, Kato is receiving calls from record labels, managers, and artists eager to collaborate. Opportunities that once seemed out of reach are suddenly coming his way. Yet he remains characteristically grounded. Growing up in Thy—Denmark’s northwestern region known for its down-to-earth culture—he prefers to stay calm amid the excitement.
He knows viral fame can fade as quickly as it arrives. Tomorrow, another song might replace his online. Despite the song’s sharp rise in popularity, Kato has not let the sudden success change his lifestyle or spending habits. He jokes about not building a pool in his living room just yet.
For Kato, the renewed interest in his music is a reminder of how unpredictable the industry can be. What he once viewed as a closed chapter in his career has now reopened new doors.
A Changed Perspective
When the track first came out, Kato was chasing global fame. Now, he takes a different approach. He values his stability in Denmark, regular performances at local events, and time with his daughter. Music remains his passion, but not at the cost of family or personal peace.
He says his goal is no longer to dominate charts around the world, but to give listeners a brief escape from daily life. Whether through a five-second meme or a live set at one of Denmark’s summer festivals, that moment of joy is what matters most.
This attitude reflects the Danish balance between ambition and simplicity. Similar to how the country’s creative culture supports artistry without pretension, Kato’s journey shows that success can take many forms.
Those interested in exploring Denmark’s rich performance traditions can see this same spirit alive at major music gatherings highlighted in Danish festivals.
From Local Talent to Global Recognition
Kato’s viral comeback underlines how Denmark continues to produce artists capable of crossing borders through digital culture rather than conventional promotion. The DJ stands as a modern example of how timeless sound meets today’s internet-driven trends. As the world dances once again to *Turn the Lights Off*, it serves as a reminder that even a decade-old song can capture a new audience—given the right beat, the right video, and a bit of viral luck.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Danish Music Scene Guide for Expats
The Danish Dream: Best Festivals in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Kato er snotforvirret: Alt det, jeg har drømt om hele mit liv, sker lige nu
