Over the years, some of Nigeria’s brightest stars in music, dance, sports, and entertainment have pushed their limits and secured places in the Guinness Book of World Records. Their feats have not only made history but also inspired millions across the world.
Hilda Baci became a household name in 2023 when she shattered the record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, clocking an astonishing 93 hours and 11 minutes in Lagos. On September 15, 2025, she was confirmed once again by Guinness World Records for another remarkable feat, serving the largest portion of Nigerian-style jollof rice that weighed 8,780 kilogrammes, an achievement that captured global attention.
Kafayat Shafau-Ameh, popularly known as Kaffy, is a pioneer in the Nigerian dance industry. In 2006, she led a group of dancers in setting the Guinness World Record for the longest dance party, which lasted 55 hours and 15 minutes. The achievement cemented her place as Africa’s dance queen and inspired a generation of dancers. Today, Kaffy continues to thrive as a choreographer, fitness coach, and mentor.
Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Wizkid wrote his name in history in 2018 when he became the first Afrobeats artist to be part of a Guinness World Record entry. His collaboration with Drake on the global hit One Dance was the first track to reach 1 billion Spotify streams, placing Wizkid firmly on the world map.
Rema, another Afrobeats sensation, earned his Guinness World Record in 2023 when his global smash Calm Down became the first song to top the newly created Billboard Middle East and North Africa (MENA) chart. The remix with Selena Gomez took the track even further, dominating international playlists and streaming platforms.
Chess master and tech advocate Tunde Onakoya inspired millions in 2024 when he set the record for the longest chess marathon, playing for 58 hours without defeat in New York’s Times Square. His attempt went beyond the game as it spotlighted his initiative, Chess in Slums Africa, which empowers disadvantaged children through education and the strategy of chess.
Obinna Levi Ajuonuma Jr., better known as DJ Obi, took endurance to another level in 2016 when he spun music non-stop for 240 hours, setting the record for the longest-ever DJ set. The feat required immense physical and mental discipline, showing his determination to leave a lasting mark in the entertainment world.
In 2024, Nigerian artist and medical doctor Fola David broke the record for the largest painting created by a single individual. His work fused art with activism, symbolizing the boldness of Nigerian youth in pushing boundaries and using creativity as a voice for change.
That same year, music producer Idem Abasifreke, in collaboration with Beatisblaak Studio and several artists, set the record for the longest recording marathon with multiple artists. The session lasted 95 hours and 59 minutes, just one minute shy of four full days, proving the power of collaboration and resilience in the Nigerian music industry.
These achievements reflect not only personal victories but also the global influence of Nigerian talent. From food and dance to music, art, and innovation, Nigerians continue to show that with passion, resilience, and creativity, the impossible can always be made possible.
