How Hilda Baci sparked world record mania across Africa with her cookathon
From cookathons to readathons, influencer chef Hilda Bassey, known on social media as Hilda Baci, has dominated headlines worldwide ever since she launched her cooking marathon.
The internet sensation grabbed the record for the longest cooking marathon (individual) with a time of 93 hours 11 minutes. This impressive feat sparked a wave of enthusiasm across Africa, inspiring individuals to attempt their own unique record-breaking marathons in various fields.
Since Hilda’s remarkable achievement, many individuals across Africa have taken up the challenge to showcase their endurance and passion through record-breaking marathon events.
Here are some of the most notable ones...
Longest marathon applying makeup
The longest marathon applying makeup stands at an astounding 103 hours 25 minutes and 33 seconds.
This record was achieved by Akosua Mantey Roselyn in Legon, Ghana, on 3 April.
With over eight years of experience in the beauty industry, Akosua aimed to revolutionise the makeup industry and unite stakeholders through this ambitious attempt. Additionally, she sought to use her platform to emphasise the importance of empowering young girls with skill-based knowledge, which she believes can reduce early marriages in certain regions.
Longest marathon reading aloud
Samson Ajao from Nigeria shattered records with the longest marathon reading aloud, clocking in at 215 hours 2 seconds. His marathon, held in Osogbo, Osun State, from 6 to 15 May, was fuelled by his mission to inspire a stronger reading culture and foster literacy development.
Through this record, Samson hopes to encourage more young people to view reading as an essential part of personal and academic growth.
Longest videogame marathon playing a football (soccer) game
Oside Oluwole holds the record for the longest videogame marathon playing a football (soccer) game at an epic 75 hours.
His record attempt took place in Ogun State, from 26 to 29 October 2023.
Oside gamed non-stop, showing off some serious endurance and dedication to the game - virtually, of course!
Longest marathon crocheting
Chidinma Modupe Okafor set the record for the longest marathon crocheting in Lagos, Nigeria, from 24 to 27 December 2023.
Chidinma’s dedication to her craft powered her through the challenge. She said she was fuelled by her “passion for crochet, the desire to push personal limits, and to showcase the artistry and perseverance involved in this craft”.
With each stitch, Chidinma demonstrated that crochet is not just a hobby - it’s an art form demanding serious skill and stamina!
Longest marathon hugging a tree
Abdul Hakim Awal’s “tree-hug-a-thon”, which took place outside Kumasi Cultural Centre, lasted 24 hours 21 minutes. The previous record of 16 hours was set by Ugandan environmental activist Faith Patricia Ariokot earlier this year.
Abdul took on this challenge to highlight the importance of nature conservation in Ghana.
He made a pledge to plant a new tree for every minute his record attempt lasted, finishing at a total of 1,461.
The Hilda Effect
The ripple effect of Hilda’s cookathon has transformed the record-breaking landscape in Africa.
Beyond entertainment, these marathon events are increasingly seen as platforms for awareness, empowerment, and education. From inspiring literacy to encouraging vocational skills, each record attempt holds significance beyond the achievement itself, creating a legacy of motivation and determination across the continent.
With record-breaking fever showing no signs of slowing down, it seems that Hilda’s impact will continue to resonate, sparking new and ambitious goals.