11 Guinness World Records held by Africans

The Guinness World Records, known for recognizing extraordinary feats and achievements globally, has honored several Africans whose talents, endurance, and creativity have broken barriers and set standards. Since its first publication in 1955, the Guinness Book of Records has celebrated record-breaking accomplishments from people around the world, covering both unique and conventional categories, from the longest distances to the largest gatherings. The rigorous process for obtaining a Guinness World Record, including extensive verification and adherence to strict guidelines, reflects the prestige and global recognition associated with these accomplishments

Over the years, Africans have made their mark in a diverse range of record categories. These range from athletic achievements, like South African sprinter Wayde van Niekerk’s record-setting 400-meter run, to cultural contributions, such as Fela Kuti’s prolific music career, which produced 46 albums. Other record holders demonstrate a variety of accomplishments, like Nigeria’s Chinonso Eche, who set a record for the most football touches on the head in one minute, and Kenya’s Kimani Ng’ang’a Maruge, who became the oldest person to start primary school at 84. These records not only highlight individual perseverance and skill but also celebrate African heritage, innovation, and influence on a global stage.

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Recent achievements continue to add to this rich legacy, with figures like Nigeria’s Samson Ajao Olalekan, who set a new world record for the longest marathon reading aloud in 2024. His 215-hour reading marathon, aimed at promoting literacy, emphasizes the role of record-breaking as a means of inspiring positive social change. Together, these records showcase the diversity of African contributions to the world, demonstrating that excellence can be achieved in any field with dedication and passion

1. Wayde van Niekerk (South Africa) – Fastest 400 meters: Achieved 43.03 seconds at the 2016 Olympics, breaking a record that had stood since 1999.

2. Fela Kuti (Nigeria) – Most Albums by a Solo Artist: Recorded 46 albums over a 23-year solo career, starting in 1969.

3. Kimani Ng’ang’a Maruge (Kenya) – Oldest Person to Begin Primary School: At age 84, he enrolled in primary school in 2004, proving age is no barrier to learning.

4. Wizkid (Nigeria) – First Track to Reach 1 Billion Spotify Streams: Featured on Drake’s “One Dance,” which reached this milestone in 2016.

5. Chinonso Eche (Nigeria) – Most Football Touches in One Minute While Balancing on the Head: Achieved 133 touches in 2023,surpassing his previous record.

6. Stephen Keshi (Nigeria) – Youngest Person to Win the Africa Cup of Nations as Player and Coach: First won in 1994 as a player and later as a coach at age 52 in 2013.

7. Tuedon Morgan (Nigeria) – Fastest Time to Run a Half Marathon on All Continents and the North Pole (Female): Accomplished this feat in 62 days in 2015.

8. Percy Maimela (South Africa) – Largest Coffee Mosaic: Created a 25.96 square meter mosaic of DJ Black Coffee in 2019.

9. Paul Kehinde (Nigeria) – Heaviest Para Power Lift in the -65kg Category: Lifted 221 kg at the 2018 World Para Powerlifting Cup.

10. Rema (Nigeria) – First Number-One Song on the Official MENA Chart: His single “Calm Down” became the chart’s first-ever top song in 2022.

11. Samson Ajao Olalekan (Nigeria) – Longest Marathon Reading Aloud: Set a record with 215 hours of reading aloud in 2024, aiming to inspire a love for reading in Nigeria.

These records not only highlight individual dedication but also celebrate the diversity and potential of African talent on a global stage.