July 23, 2024

Two Nigerian men, Babajide Israel and Owoyemi Qudus Adebayo have set new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest duration of twerking and fastest time to complete five skin fade haircuts.

According to the Guinness World records in an announcement on its website, Adebanjo achieved the feat when he twerked for three hours and 30 seconds in Lagos.

GWR wrote: “This record attempt was personal to Babajide as it was a way for him to get out of his comfort zone and to raise awareness for anyone suffering from depression all around the world.

‘‘His message is that no record is too crazy, too big, too great or too little to achieve. There is always space for everyone and their unique attributes.”

According to Babajide, he wants to show that any accomplishment is achievable, no matter how big or how special it is.

The new feat is already generating reactions on social media, with some applauding his commitment and others expressing surprise at the odd nature of the record.

The previous record holder for the longest twerking is Elena Sofie Sterlini, an Austrian who twerked for two hours and one minute on 3 January 2023.

Since June 2023, when Hilda Baci, achieved a new GWR for the longest cook-a-thon, many Nigerians have attempted to break world records in different spheres of life.

Adebanjo’s feat comes on the heels of Fola David, the Nigerian doctor and visual artist, who broke the existing Guinness World Record (GWR) for the world’s largest drawing by an individual.

The drawing, “Unity in Diversity”, showcases the diverse ethnic groups of Nigeria through their unique attire, languages, culture, and artistic expressions.

The Lagos-based visual artist began the six-day project on July 16 at Onikan Stadium with the goal of sketching 1000 square metres of art to highlight Nigeria’s numerous cultural traditions.

The Lagos-based visual artist began the six-day project on July 16 at Onikan Stadium with the goal of sketching 1000 square metres of art to highlight Nigeria’s numerous cultural traditions.

Earlier in April, Tunde Onakoya, Nigerian chess champion, emerged victorious in his quest to set a new world record for the longest chess marathon.

Though originally set out to do 58 hours, Onakoya persevered for a gruelling 60 hours before finally halting his historic challenge in Times Square, New York City.

However GWRs said 26-year-old Owoyemi Qudus Adebayo, a barber from Lagos achieved a time of 14 min 56 sec, smashing the previous record of 18 min 57 sec set by South Africa’s Enrico Springfield in 2022 by shaving four minutes off the world record for the fastest time to complete five skin fade haircuts.

To achieve this record, each finished hairstyle must be cut to the skin (i.e. grade 0) at the neck and back of the head, and tapered at least three grades towards the top of the head.

A minimum of three different clipper guards must used to achieve the fade; it is not permitted to use a clipper with a lever that adjusts the trim length.

Furthermore, all five participants having haircuts must begin with a full head of hair, measuring a minimum of 1 cm (0.39 in) all around.

One of the keys to successfully achieving this record, according to Official Adjudicator Sofia Greenacre, who oversaw the previous record holder’s attempt, is to not accidentally take too much hair off the top – enough must be left to create the required fade.

Owoyemi’s record attempt took place at the University of Ilorin, where he is currently studying for his undergraduate degree in statistics.

He managed to complete each skin fade in an average of three minutes, ensuring each one adhered to the guidelines.

Explaining why he attempted this challenge, Owoyemi said: “I decided to break this record because I sincerely want global recognition for my hard work and labour over the years.”

The university’s vice chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole, expressed his pride and admiration for Owoyemi’s achievement, noting that it “reinforced the university’s ethos of excellence and creativity”.

Owoyemi is not the only Nigerian to break a hair-related record this year – Helen Williams claimed her third Guinness World Records title by making the world’s widest wig. It measured 3.65 m (11 ft 11 in), making it slightly wider than the length of a Mini Cooper car.