10 Guinness World Records Held by Nigerians: From Cooking Marathons to Dance Parties

Fela Kuti

When people talk about Nigeria, the conversation often drifts to music, Nollywood, politics, or jollof rice wars. But did you know Nigerians are also serial record breakers on the world stage? From cooking marathons that broke the internet to legendary feats in sports, arts, and music, Nigerians have proven that “Naija no dey carry last” is more than just a slogan—it’s a lifestyle.

Indeed, when you hear Guinness World Records, you probably think of someone balancing spoons on their face, eating the most hotdogs in 60 seconds, or maybe a man pulling an airplane with his beard. But Nigerians? We don’t just break records—we own them. From frying pans to football fields, from the rhythm of drums to the weight of books, Nigerians have stamped their presence in the Guinness Book of World Records with style, sweat, and swagger.

It’s no exaggeration to say that record-breaking runs in our DNA. This is a country where even queuing for fuel or surviving Lagos traffic feels like a Guinness-worthy achievement. But when Nigerians step onto the world stage, they transform ordinary feats into extraordinary history. They cook for 100 hours straight, they dance until sunrise becomes sunset—twice—and they release albums like they’re going out of fashion.

Each of these records tells a story: of resilience, creativity, audacity, and the refusal to be average. Nigerians don’t just participate; we set the bar so high that the rest of the world wonders whether we’ve got secret superpowers.

So grab your jollof spoon, lace up your dancing shoes, and get ready—because here are 10 Guinness World Records proudly held by Nigerians that prove once again that when it comes to greatness, Naija no dey carry last.

1. Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke — Largest Art Canvas (2025)

At just 14 years old, Kanyeyachukwu, a teenage prodigy from Anambra State, made history by creating the largest art canvas in the world.

His masterpiece, painted in 2025, not only secured a Guinness World Record but also showcased Nigeria’s thriving artistic talent to the global stage.

This achievement placed him alongside some of the greatest names in modern art, proving that the next generation of Nigerian creatives is unstoppable.

2. Fola David-Tolaram — World’s Largest Drawing (2024)

Nigerians are known for thinking big, but Fola David took it literally. In 2024, he etched his name in the Guinness Book with the largest drawing ever created.

The artwork spanned a jaw-dropping size, blending skill and endurance in equal measure. It wasn’t just about breaking a record—it was about showing that Nigerian artists can push boundaries beyond imagination.

3. Hilda Baci — Longest Cooking Marathon by an Individual (2023)

This one needs no introduction. In 2023, Hilda Effiong Bassey, better known as Hilda Baci, turned cooking into a global spectacle.

She cooked for 100 hours straight, keeping millions glued to their screens as she stirred, chopped, and spiced her way into history. The record wasn’t just about food—it became a national celebration of resilience, creativity, and jollof supremacy.

4. Gbenga Ezekiel — Most Skips in One Minute on One Leg (2022-2023)

When it comes to jump ropes, nobody does it like Gbenga Ezekiel.

In 2022, he set a record for the most skips in one minute on one leg and later followed up with another Guinness feat for double-under skips on one leg. His agility, speed, and focus proved that even in seemingly small competitions, Nigerians dominate with style.

5. Bayo Omoboriowo — Largest Photo Book (2021)

Official photographer to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Bayo Omoboriowo, turned Nigeria’s political journey into a Guinness-worthy masterpiece. In 2021, he compiled the largest photo book ever, chronicling Nigeria’s history and leadership in an unforgettable way. It wasn’t just a record—it was a powerful cultural statement wrapped in photography.

6. Stephen Keshi — First African to Win AFCON as Player and Coach (2013)

The late Stephen Okechukwu Keshi—fondly called “The Big Boss”—made history in 2013 when he became the first African to win the Africa Cup of Nations both as a player and a coach.

This Guinness World Record remains a badge of honor not just for him, but for Nigerian football and the continent at large. Keshi’s achievement immortalized him as a true legend of the game.

7. Adetunwase Adenle — Most Children Reading Aloud with an Adult (2011)

In 2011, educator Adetunwase Adenle mobilised over 4,000 children to read aloud simultaneously with an adult, setting a Guinness World Record. Beyond the achievement, it was a reminder of Nigeria’s passion for literacy and the power of education to unite communities.

8. DJ Obi — Longest DJ Set (2016)

In 2016, DJ Obi spun records for a mind-blowing 240 hours straight (that’s 10 days without stopping).

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His feat earned him a Guinness World Record for the longest DJ set ever. It was more than just music—it was an electrifying marathon that placed Nigerian nightlife and entertainment on the global map.

9. Kaffy — Longest Dance Party (2006)

Before Hilda Baci, before DJ Obi, there was Kafayat Shafau-Ameh, popularly known as Kaffy.

In 2006, she and her team danced their way into Guinness glory with the longest dance party, lasting over 55 hours. Kaffy became a household name, and the record solidified Nigeria’s reputation as the home of rhythm, stamina, and pure vibes.

10. Fela Kuti — Most Studio Albums Released by a Solo Artist (1992)

The Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, was a force of nature in every sense. In 1992, Guinness World Records recognised him for releasing the highest number of studio albums (46) as a solo artist. Fela wasn’t just a musician—he was a cultural revolutionary, and his record remains unmatched to this day.

Nigeria, The Land of Record Breakers

From the dance floors of Lagos to the football fields of Johannesburg, from giant canvases to endless cooking marathons, Nigerians have shown the world that limits don’t exist where creativity, resilience, and passion collide.

These Guinness World Records are more than just titles—they’re proof that Nigerians continue to leave their footprints on history, turning every challenge into an opportunity for greatness.

So the next time someone says Nigerians only trend for politics or Afrobeats, remind them: we also trend for rewriting the world’s records.

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