Africa is home to incredible talent, chefs, artists, athletes, and performers who have left their mark on the world. Here are 10 Africans who have made history while attempting the Guinness World Records.
These Africans didn’t just set records; they showed remarkable skill, creativity, and determination that continue to inspire people across the continent and around the globe.
1. Hilda Baci
Nigerian chef Hilda Baci, popularly known as Hilda Baci, made history by winning Guinness World Records twice, in 2023 and 2025. Her second win was particularly remarkable because it broke two records at once. 
In 2023, Hilda set a new global record for the longest nonstop cooking marathon. She began her marathon on 11 May and kept going until 15 May, cooking tirelessly for over 93 hours straight, a feat that amazed fans worldwide.
On the 12th of September 2025, Hilda and her team pulled off another astonishing achievement at a major cooking event in Victoria Island, Lagos. They prepared an incredible 8,780 kg of Nigerian-style jollof rice, nearly 9 tonnes in a single attempt. Guinness World Records first recognised this as the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice ever prepared.
Upon closer review, Guinness realised that the massive amount of rice didn’t just qualify for the jollof rice record, it also met the criteria for the largest serving of rice overall. This meant that Hilda’s one epic cooking effort earned her two Guinness World Record titles at once, cementing her legacy as one of Africa’s most remarkable culinary achievers.
2. Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo‑Okeke
At just 15 years old, Nigerian artist Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo‑Okeke set a Guinness World Record for the largest art canvas in the world, using his talent to raise awareness for autism.
Kanyeyachukwu, who is autistic, created a vibrant painting featuring a multi-colored ribbon, the symbol for autism, surrounded by playful emojis, covering an astonishing 12,304 square meters.
The massive artwork was completed in November 2024 and officially unveiled in Abuja, Nigeria, during World Autism Acceptance Day in April 2025.
3. Truphena Muthoni
Truphena Muthoni set the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon hugging a tree, spending 72 consecutive hours holding an indigenous tree in Nyeri, Kenya, from 8 to 11 December 2025.
The 22‑year‑old environmental activist broke her own previous record of 48 hours to spotlight tree conservation, climate action, and the importance of reconnecting with nature.
Her feat captured global attention and inspired many to think differently about environmental stewardship.
4. Largest Marimba Ensemble
In August 2025, Cape Town became the stage for South Africa’s largest marimba ensemble ever, with 1,177 musicians coming together to play in perfect harmony. For 8 minutes, the group performed a vibrant mix of hits, including Waka Waka and Jerusalema, creating a truly unforgettable spectacle.
The achievement was officially recognised by Guinness World Records, celebrating not just the scale but the country’s rich musical culture and community spirit. Local schools, music groups, and enthusiasts joined forces, showing teamwork, skill, and passion. This record proved that music can unite people, inspire young talent, and showcase South Africa to the world.
SEE ALSO: Why Kenya’s Truphena Muthoni Hugged a Tree for 72 Hours To Break a Guinness World Record
5. Roselyn Akosua Mante
Ghanaian beauty artist Roselyn Akosua Mantey made history by setting the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous makeup application marathon, applying makeup non‑stop from 3 April to 7 April 2024 in Accra, Ghana. She clocked an astonishing 103 hours, 25 minutes and 33 seconds, smashing the previous mark and proving beauty artistry is as much about endurance as creativity. Her record was later officially certified and celebrated as a milestone for African makeup pros and creative talent.
6. Tunde Onakoya
Nigerian chess champion Tunde Onakoya etched his name in history with a 64‑hour nonstop chess marathon in Times Square, New York, from 17 to 20 April 2025. Playing alongside Shawn Martinez, he surpassed the previous mark to claim the Guinness World Record, using the attempt not just to break a record, but to shine a spotlight on education and opportunity for underserved youth. His strategic stamina and heart‑driven mission captured global admiration.
7. Anita Natacha Akide
Anita Natacha Akide, popularly known as Symply Tacha, made history at the Tacha Beauty Festival in Lagos, Nigeria, in October 2025 by setting two Guinness World Records for makeup makeovers. She completed 82 makeovers in 8 hours and 144 makeovers in 24 hours, surpassing the previous record for cosmetic transformations by an individual. Her marathon session took place at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture & History and drew widespread support from fans, celebrities, and beauty lovers alike.
8. Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy
Cameroonian runner Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy set a Guinness World Record for running a full marathon while wearing traditional Toghu attire, a colourful and heavy ceremonial outfit blending athletic excellence with cultural pride. His performance stood out because it wasn’t just about speed: it was about honouring heritage and showing that tradition and performance can go hand in hand.
9. Sharon Dede Padi
Ghanaian artist Sharon Dede Padi set a Guinness World Record in December 2025 for the largest leaf‑print painting, covering 54.33 square metres with vibrant prints that blend nature and art. Her work wasn’t just big; it carried cultural symbolism celebrating Ghanaian identity and eco‑conscious creativity. The achievement placed Ghanaian contemporary art on the world map and inspired a new generation of creatives to think big and bold with traditional materials.
10. Faddothegreat
Nigerian magician Ibitoye Kingfahd, known as Faddothegreat, warped expectations by performing the longest magic show by an individual from 27 to 29 November 2025, a 50‑hour nonstop marathon of illusions, mind tricks and stage magic in Lagos. Pushing beyond the previous 30‑hour record, his performance was a testament to endurance, creativity and storytelling in magic. Faddothegreat’s achievement helped elevate magic as a serious art form within Africa’s entertainment landscape.
About The Author
Keep Up to Date with the Most Important News
