In August 2021, Hilda Baci won the maiden edition of the ‘Jollof Faceoff’ competition.
By Sybil Fekurumoh
Multi-talented Nigerian chef, actress, and producer, Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, has broken the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking time by an individual.
At the moment of compiling this report, the Guinness World Records is, however, yet to confirm this record.
Baci is the Chief Executive Officer of HildaFoods, a restaurant based in Lagos State, Nigeria, which delivers local and continental dishes. The 27-year old set out on a four-day cooking marathon (“Cook-a-thon”) on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at the Amore Gardens, Lekki, Lagos. By Monday May 15, she had smashed the 87 hours 45 minutes record previously set in 2019 by Indian chef, Lata Tondon. As the cook-a-thon continues, Baci is set to create a new record of 96 hours.
This World Record title is about cooking within a time frame, rather than what is cooked. Baci is cooking round the clock, and is allowed a 5-minute break, each hour. She is also allowed a 30-minute break every six hours with a medical van nearby. Attendees receive the food prepared by Baci throughout the event duration. Baci has, so far, served over 110 meals, and 3000 food portions and counting.
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Baci has been hailed and has garnered support from Nigerians all over. She’s also had prominent individuals make guest appearances at the venue, including the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, influencers and content creators, Enioluwa Adeoluwa and Elozonam, and dancer Kaffy, who, in 2006, set a world record for “Longest Dance Party.”
Breaking this record is Baci’s continued streak of success. In August 2021, she won the maiden edition of the ‘Jollof Faceoff’ competition.
The Cook-a-thon is sponsored by GB Foods, makers of Bama mayonnaise, Gino Max and Jumbo Tomato. Other sponsors include Arla Foods, Power Oil Nigeria, Nittol Nigeria, Woodscope, Jumbo, Uber, FilmHouse, Baige Wallet, and Oriki group.
You can follow live sessions and updates of Hilda Baci’s Cook-a-thon on Instagram at @myfoodbyhilda, and @hildabacicookathon, and on YouTube at Hilda Baci Cook-a-thon ’23.