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Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci has once again written her name into the history books, this time for cooking the world’s largest pot of jollof rice. Guinness World Records has confirmed that her monumental pot weighed an astonishing 8,780 kilograms, almost double the minimum requirement of 4,700 kilograms.
The record-breaking feat took place on September 12 in Lagos, where Baci and her team spent nine hours of continuous cooking to prepare the massive delicacy. The finished meal was shared among hundreds of spectators on Victoria Island, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere that blended food, music, and cultural pride.
Jollof rice is more than just food; it is one of West Africa’s most iconic and hotly debated dishes. For decades, Ghana and Nigeria have engaged in a friendly but fierce rivalry over whose version tastes better. This debate, often amplified on social media with hashtags like #JollofWars, has transcended borders and become a symbol of national identity and pride.
By securing this Guinness World Record, Baci has not only elevated Nigerian cuisine but also drawn global attention to West Africa’s culinary heritage. For Ghana, Nigeria, and neighbouring countries, the achievement highlights the shared cultural significance of jollof rice, even amid playful competition.
Food critic and culinary historian Dr. Naa Mensah, based in Accra, told reporters, “This isn’t just a Nigerian win; it’s an African win. Jollof rice carries the story of trade, migration, and identity across our region. Records like this put African food where it belongs: on the global stage.”
Baci’s Journey to Global Recognition
At 29, Hilda Baci has become one of Africa’s most recognizable culinary figures. She first gained international fame in 2023, when she set the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon at 93 hours and 11 minutes. That record was later broken in 2024 by Irish chef Alan Fisher, but Baci’s determination to keep Africa represented in the Guinness books did not waver.
Speaking after her latest success, Baci said, “Cooking is my way of telling the Nigerian story. Jollof rice is part of who we are, and I wanted to share that with the world on a bigger scale.”
Her team of over 30 assistants worked tirelessly to ensure the massive jollof pot met all Guinness World Record requirements. The cooking involved industrial-sized equipment, tonnes of rice, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and seasonings, all carefully measured and supervised.
Africa’s Growing Appetite for World Records
Baci’s feat is part of a broader wave of Africans pushing boundaries in the Guinness World Records arena. In recent years, record attempts across the continent have ranged from cooking marathons and dance contests to endurance sports.
Experts say this trend reflects both youthful ambition and the power of digital platforms to showcase African talent globally. With millions of people following such events in real time on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, these record attempts also serve as powerful branding tools for individuals and nations.
Guinness World Records, in its official statement, praised Baci’s effort as “an extraordinary display of teamwork, culinary expertise, and cultural pride that resonates far beyond Nigeria.”
The Ghana–Nigeria Jollof Debate Rekindled
For many West Africans, the confirmation of this record will reignite the long-standing Ghana–Nigeria jollof rivalry. While Nigerians typically cook their jollof with long-grain parboiled rice and smoky flavours, Ghanaians prefer fragrant basmati rice with distinct spices.
Despite these differences, both versions have gained international acclaim, often being featured at African food festivals in Europe and North America. The Guinness recognition of Nigerian jollof may spark friendly conversations online, but it also places African cuisine, whether Ghanaian or Nigerian, firmly on the global culinary map.
As Ghanaian food blogger Ama Serwaa noted, “We may argue about whose jollof is better, but moments like this remind us that the world is finally paying attention to African food culture. That’s something we should all celebrate.”
Beyond Food: Economic and Cultural Impact
Events like Baci’s record attempt are not just about pride—they carry real economic benefits. Tourism officials in Lagos have highlighted how such global milestones can attract culinary tourists, food enthusiasts, and international media coverage.
In Ghana and across Africa, food entrepreneurs are also taking note. The rise of African celebrity chefs like Hilda Baci underscores the potential of the food industry as a driver of economic growth, cultural diplomacy, and creative entrepreneurship.
Hilda Baci’s record-breaking jollof pot is more than a culinary feat; it’s a celebration of African resilience, creativity, and identity. For Nigeria, it cements her status as a national icon. For Ghana and the wider continent, it represents a shared victory for West African cuisine.
As Guinness World Records increasingly features African names, one thing is clear: the continent is not just consuming global culture; it is creating it, one giant pot of jollof rice at a time.
Read Also: “Visit Ghana and Nigeria Before Judging Africa” – Tems
