Who performed the viral song "Chocolate Rain"?

Who performed the viral song “Chocolate Rain”? Tay Zonday performed it.

The song was written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Adam Nyerere Bahner, who performs under the name Tay Zonday. He uploaded the original video to YouTube in April 2007, where his deep bass voice, keyboard accompaniment, and repeated chorus quickly attracted attention.

“Chocolate Rain” became an early example of a YouTube-native viral hit. Its lyrics are commonly interpreted as a metaphor for racism and racial inequality, rather than as a song literally about chocolate or weather. The video also became recognizable for Zonday’s dramatic vocal delivery and the caption explaining that he moved away from the microphone to breathe.

The song’s popularity led to television appearances, parodies, remixes, and a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in August 2007. It later won the YouTube Award for Music in 2008. Gary Brolsma, Rebecca Black, and Antoine Dodson are associated with other viral internet moments, not with performing the original “Chocolate Rain.”