Hilda Baci Honored as Guinness World Records ICON
Celebrity chef Hilda Baci has added another historic achievement to her name. Guinness World Records (GWR) has officially presented her with a certificate recognizing her as a Guinness World Records ICON, making her the first African human to ever receive this prestigious title. The only other living being resident in Africa to hold the title is Jonathan the tortoise, the oldest terrestrial animal, based in the British Overseas Territory of St Helena.
Impact of Her Record-Breaking Marathon
In May 2023, Hilda Baci set the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon (individual) at 93 hours and 11 minutes. According to a GWR statement, her attempt "took social media by storm and inspired others in Nigeria to take part and attempt a record of their own, resulting in thousands of applications in the months that followed." The statement added, "The impact Hilda's attempt had on record-breaking from not just Nigeria, but other countries in Africa was profound, and her influence still lives on to this day."
Subsequent Records in 2025
Hilda followed up her cooking marathon with two more Guinness World Records in September 2025. She cooked the 'Largest Serving of Nigerian-Style Jollof Rice' and also set the overall record for the largest serving of rice, weighing in at 8,780 kilograms (19,356 lb 9 oz).
Joining Global Icons
Guinness World Records ICONS celebrates incredible people and moments that shape the world. Currently, Guinness lists 67 personalities on its website as World Records Icons, including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Drake, Dolly Parton, John Cena, Usain Bolt, and MrBeast. The list is updated regularly.
Hilda's Emotional Reaction
Reacting to the honor, Hilda Baci said in an emotional Instagram video that one of the hardest things for her was believing it was real. "I'm probably the first Nigerian to get this award. And I am very proud, very honored to be the Guinness World Records Icon 2027," she said. Teary-eyed, she added, "This plaque in my hand, there's a part of me that dumbs it down because it is me. Sometimes, when I hear people talk about me and the things I've done and the things I've been able to achieve, I don't listen to it because my mind almost cannot accept that it is me." She expressed gratitude to God and noted that next to her name is Nigeria, saying, "This is for Nigeria. This is for all of us."
