Hilda Bassey, Nigerian chef, cooks for 100 hours in world record attempt

CNN
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Nigerian chef Hilda Efion Bassey became a national sensation when she cooked for 100 hours non-stop to set a world record.

Known on social media as Hilda Bachi, the chef started cooking on Thursday and continued until Monday, creating over 55 recipes and over 100 meals to showcase the best of Nigerian cuisine at the Marathon Kitchen Sessions.

The Guinness World Records Committee needs to confirm that all criteria have been met and that Bassey will become the record holder.

The record to be broken of 87 hours and 45 minutes was set in 2019 by Indian chef Lata Thongdon, who posted a cheering message for Bassey during the attempt.

Bassey told CNN that he set out to set the record because he wanted to put Nigerian cuisine on the map.

“Nigerian food is the best,” she said. “The more the recipe spreads, the more people want to try it. Nigerian food is truly comfort food,” she added.

Despite lack of sleep, Bassey was seen keeping his spirits up during a foodie in Lagos, dancing and waving to cheering fans.

The man, Uduak Obon, told CNN that he had traveled hundreds of kilometers by overnight bus to reach the venue in Lagos.

“I drove 12 hours to get here to support my sister, my friend. She’s just amazing,” he said.

Media personality Enioluwa Adeolwa, who also hosted the Kukathon, told CNN: she’s doing such a great job. ”

“She’s opening the door to the African food market and showing young people that if they can dream it, they can do it,” said actor and Nollywood star Damirola Ogunsi.

Celebrities such as musician Tiwa Savage and local politicians have visited Bassey during the cooking challenge.

Bassey told CNN that he almost gave up on the first day, but after surpassing his previous record, he decided to aim for 100 hours.

“The first day was the hardest. I was going to give up after six hours, but it feels like a miracle happened to make it this far. The support has been incredible,” she said. .