If there’s one thing Nigerians love, it’s making history. And in 2025, nothing screams “history” louder than a Guinness World Record. From chefs to chess masters, makeup artists to beauty queens, our stars are treating Guinness like the ultimate stage. But the million dollar question is why are our faves so hooked on this record-breaking fever?
Hilda Baci: From Cook-a-thon to Jollof Mountain
We can’t start this conversation without mentioning Hilda Baci. In May 2023, the 27-year-old chef lit up the whole internet when she took on the longest cooking marathon by an individual. For four straight days, with pots steaming and pans sizzling, she cooked her way through 93 hours, 11 minutes of non-stop meals in Lagos.
Her attempt went viral. Social media was buzzing, celebrities pulled up to cheer her, and even the Lagos State governor passed through to show support. Nigerians everywhere rallied behind her like she was playing in the World Cup finals. And it paid off as Guinness officially confirmed her as the record holder.
However, Hilda only held that record once. Barely a few months later, an Irish chef, Alan Fisher, came for the crown and pushed the record to 119 hours, 57 minutes, overtaking Hilda.
After her 2023 cook-a-thon went viral worldwide, Hilda didn’t stop there. In September 2025, she pulled off another jaw-dropping feat: the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, certified by Guinness.
It wasn’t just about rice; it was about national pride. Celebrities turned up, brands supported her, and social media buzzed nonstop. Hilda has basically turned Guinness records into her personal brand, and she’s showing other celebs that this is a legit way to stay relevant and respected.
Tacha: The Beauty Boss Make Over
Now let’s talk Tacha Akide The BBNaija alum and media personality is not just chasing clout, she’s building a whole industry moment.
In October 2025, Tacha will host a three-day Beauty Festival in Lagos, and the highlight will be her attempt to break the record for the most makeovers in 24 hours. Unlike some record attempts that look like stunts, this one is packaged as a proper festival. It’ll have the workshops, networking, exhibitions, and of course, the record attempt itself.
By turning her Guinness bid into an industry event, Tacha is proving that record-breaking can be both entertainment and empowerment. She’s pulling in beauty artists, brands, and fans, and the buzz is already massive.
Tunde Onakoya: The Chess King Who Refused to Back Down
If there’s one Nigerian who proved that breaking a Guinness World Record is not just about clout but about grit and purpose, it’s Tunde Onakoya. His story is not a straight win, it’s a saga.
Back in April 2024, Tunde teamed up with U.S. chess master Shawn Martinez in New York’s Times Square. For 60 long hours, they played nonstop, smashing the previous record of 56 hours that two Norwegians had held since 2018. Nigerians everywhere were hyping him, thinking the record was sealed. But the twist is, that attempt was never officially confirmed by Guinness.
To make matters worse, just two months later in June 2024, the Norwegians struck back with a fresh record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds, snatching the title right out of Tunde’s hands. For many people, that would have been the end of the dream.
But not for Tunde. In April 2025, he returned to Times Square with Martinez, this time aiming to hit a jaw-dropping 70 hours. They didn’t make it that far, but they did cross the 64-hour mark, just enough to officially take the Guinness World Record title back to Nigeria.And this time, Guinness confirmed it.
What makes Tunde’s win even sweeter is that it wasn’t just about him. Through his Chess in Slums Africa initiative, every move on that board was raising awareness and support for kids in underserved communities. Tunde Onakoya isn’t just the man who played the longest chess game ever, he’s the man who turned a Guinness World Record into a mission.
Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke: The Boy Who Painted History
In April 2025, 15-year-old artist Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, who is autistic, created the largest art canvas by an individual. It is over 12,000 square metres of pure creativity.
This record wasn’t just big; it was symbolic. Kanye used his art to spark conversations about autism, acceptance, and inclusion. His story made it to global outlets, reminding people that Guinness isn’t just about the spotlight but can be a platform for change.
Helen Williams: The Wig Queen Who Just Can’t Stop Winning
If there’s one Nigerian who has turned Guinness World Records into her personal playground, it’s Helen Williams. The Abuja-based wig maker doesn’t just create wigs, she creates history. And as of 2025, she has bagged four Guinness titles, each one louder than the last.
Her journey started in July 2023, when she stunned the world with the longest handmade wig ever, measuring a mind-blowing 351.28 meters. That’s longer than three football fields laid end-to-end.
Then in February 2024, Helen raised eyebrows again, this time with the widest handmade wig, stretching 3.65 meters across.
But she wasn’t done. By late 2024, Helen went for speed challenges, bagging two more quirky but impressive records:
• Most hair clips used in a wig in 30 seconds: she secured the title with a fast-fingered 90 clips.
• Most hair clips on the head in 30 seconds: she smashed another record with 97 clips, proving she could deliver precision under pressure.
What makes Helen’s story exciting is that she’s not slowing down. In interviews, she’s admitted she might be a little addicted to breaking records. And honestly, Nigerians love her for it. In a space where records are often about endurance and crazy stunts, the four-time Guinness World Record holder shows that creativity and culture can stand tall on the world stage.
Rema: Streaming Into the Records
Music superstar Rema also has his name etched in Guinness history. His hit “Calm Down” became the first-ever No.1 on the Official MENA Streaming Chart, and Guinness gave it the stamp.
This might not have involved sleepless nights or jollof pots, but it shows how Nigerian pop culture is rewriting global music history. For Rema, the Guinness recognition was another confirmation that Afrobeats is here to stay.
Clara Chizoba Kronborg: The Talk Queen Who Chatted Her Way Into History
While some people break records by running marathons or cooking for days, Clara Chizoba Kronborg did hers by simply doing what she loves most — talking. And in March 2024, the Nigerian motivational speaker and entrepreneur made history by officially breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest individual talk-a-thon.
Clara spoke non-stop for an astonishing 55 hours and 24 seconds, beating the previous record of 48 hours. Her talk wasn’t just random gist either. She covered a wide range of meaningful topics from motivation and entrepreneurship to lifestyle, personal development, and the everyday struggles of Nigerians trying to make it.
The attempt took place in Lagos, and it wasn’t easy. Staying awake, keeping her voice strong, and staying coherent for over two days straight required serious discipline. According to her, she prepared for weeks, training her voice and practicing pacing so she wouldn’t burn out too quickly.
But what makes Clara’s win stand out is how she used the record as a platform. She dedicated her talk-a-thon to inspiring young Africans to embrace their voices, believe in their dreams, and never underestimate the power of storytelling. The event also brought her a lot of global attention, with her story making it to international blogs and Nigerian mainstream media.
Clara’s record may sound “lighter” compared to endurance feats like cooking or chess marathons, but it highlights something bigger. It’s that Nigerians are redefining what it means to break a Guinness World Record.
Alma Asinobi: The Girl Who Tried to Outrun the World
Not every Guinness record attempt ends with a shiny certificate but Alma Asinobi’s story still deserves a spotlight. In March 2025, the 26-year-old travel entrepreneur and content creator set out to do something bold. She planned to visit all seven continents faster than anyone ever had, using only her Nigerian passport.
Her target was under 60 hours, a direct challenge to the existing record of 64 hours. She started off in Antarctica, then raced across South America, North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and finally Australia. On paper, it looked possible. In real life, the hurdles stacked up fast.
From delayed flights to the endless visa checks that Nigerians know too well, Alma’s plan hit snags. By the time she touched down in Sydney, she had clocked 71 hours, missing the record by a frustrating margin.
But her attempt still struck a chord because Alma didn’t just frame it as a travel stunt. She used it to highlight a deeper issue of passport privilege. For people from countries with powerful passports, globe-trotting is smooth. For Nigerians and many Africans, every border is a potential battle. Alma’s journey put that reality in the spotlight.
Alma Asinobi may not have taken home the title, but she showed the world what determination looks like, and why record-breaking for Nigerians often means fighting two battles at once: against the clock, and against the system.
Why Are Celebrities Doing This?
So, why are our stars falling over themselves to set records?
• Clout & Virality: A Guinness record instantly makes you the talk of town. Social media loves it, and fans rally around it.
• Brand Building: For Hilda, Tacha, and Rema, Guinness is a career boost. It’s a way to stay visible and attract endorsements.
• Causes & Impact: Tunde raised funds, Kanye raised awareness, Alma Asinobi (travel creator) highlighted passport inequality. It’s not always just vibes.
• Global Recognition: Nigerians love to shine abroad. Guinness gives global validation that no one can ignore.
Conclusion:
It’s not all rosy. Record-breaking is expensive, stressful, and risky. Guinness has strict rules, verification takes forever, and not everyone who attempts gets the title. Plus, critics argue that some celebs are chasing records for PR more than purpose.
Still, the wins outweigh the stress. These attempts have put Nigerian names in global conversations, and that’s something to celebrate.
The Guinness craze isn’t slowing down anytime soon. With Hilda dishing jollof, Tacha turning beauty into history, Tunde checkmating the world, Rema streaming into the record books, and Kanye painting his truth, Nigerians are rewriting what it means to be world-class.
