These 10 inspiring Africans have shattered barriers and set records. Let’s celebrate their audacious achievements. They have rewritten the record books through their phenomenal feats, showcasing African talents across various fields. (Warning, one or two err on the bizarre.) The drum roll follows:

10. Dickson Oppong (Ghana): “Waterman”

Also known as the “human fountain”, the late Dickson Oppong holds the Guinness World Record for the longest time to spray water uninterruptedly from his mouth in 32.65 seconds. He attained it on the set of a CCTV Guinness World Records Special, in Beijing, China, on 6 December 2012.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpcldTPdN7w&t=227s

9. Blessing Okagbare (Nigeria): Long Jump Empress

Nigerian long jumper Blessing Okagbare is a global athletics icon. In 2013, she leaped into the record books with a jump of 7.00m, the second-best long jump performance in history by a woman. Her electrifying presence and dedication to the sport continue to inspire countless aspiring athletes across Africa.

8. Hilda Bassey (Nigeria): Culinary Queen of Stamina

In 2023, Nigerian chef Hilda Bassey embarked on a record-breaking culinary marathon. She cooked for a staggering 100 hours straight, preparing various Nigerian dishes to raise awareness about food security and malnutrition. To put that into perspective, that’s over four days and nights of non-stop cooking.

• She cooked over 70 different Nigerian dishes during her marathon.
• Her efforts raised awareness about food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly in Africa.
• Bassey’s record-breaking attempt was supported by a team of volunteers who helped with tasks like chopping vegetables and cleaning dishes.

7. Ayo Balogun (Nigeria): Wizkid of Streaming

Nigerian music superstar Wizkid, aka Ayo Balogun, isn’t just a hitmaker; he’s a streaming king. His collaboration with Drake and Kyla on the track “One Dance” achieved the Guinness World Record for the first song to reach one billion streams on Spotify. This milestone testifies to Wizkid’s global reach and influence, solidifying his position as a leading force in the music industry.

6. Chinonso Eche (Nigeria): Football Feet and Heady Skills

Nigerian prodigy Chinonso Eche rewrote the football record books in 2023 with his jaw-dropping display of skill. He managed an astonishing 111 consecutive touches of the ball on his head while simultaneously balancing another ball on top, breaking his own previous record by 22 touches. This remarkable feat showcased his exceptional talent and dedication to the beautiful game.

5. Fela Kuti (Nigeria): Afrobeat Pioneer and Prolific Musician

Nigerian musician Fela Kuti wasn’t just a musical genius; he was a cultural phenomenon. His prolific career boasts a record-breaking 46 solo albums, released over 23 years. His captivating blend of Afrobeat, social commentary, and electrifying stage presence continue to influence artists worldwide and cemented his legacy as the undisputed Godfather of Afrobeat.

4. Kimani Ng’ang’a Maruge (Kenya): Learning Never Gets Old

The record for the oldest person to start primary school belongs to the remarkable, late Kimani Ng’ang’a Maruge from Kenya. At the age of 84, he enrolled in Kapkenduiyo Primary School in 2004, defying stereotypes and inspiring millions. His pursuit of education served as a powerful reminder that learning has no age limit and that knowledge is a lifelong journey.

3. DJ Arch Jnr: (South Africa): Scratch Master Supreme

At just three years old, South African DJ Arch Jnr (birth name Oratilwe Hlongwane) astounded audiences around the globe, earning record-setting honors for his prodigious DJ skills. In 2015, he became the youngest winner of a Got Talent franchise by claiming the top spot on South Africa’s Got Talent. His technical abilities and flair for engaging crowds then earned him two more milestones: in 2017 Arch Jnr was verified by Guinness World Records as the World’s Youngest DJ, and in 2019 he became the first and youngest-ever act from the Got Talent universe to compete on America’s Got Talent: The Champions. There the musical wunderkind delivered a show-stopping performance and received Simon Cowell’s first-ever mid-act standing ovation. Since then, Arch Jnr has continued to represent Africa’s immense talent on the world stage, stunning audiences from China to the UK.

2. Tegla Chepkite Loroupe (Kenya): Marathon Maven

Tegla Loroupe  is a Kenyan long-distance track and road runner. She is also a global spokeswoman for peace, women’s rights and education. Loroupe holds the world records for 25 and 30 kilometers and previously held the world marathon record.

1. Wayde van Niekerk (South Africa): Fastest Man on Earth (400m)

With an electrifying performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, South African track star Wayde van Niekerk etched his name in history. He blazed through the 400m race in a staggering 43.03 seconds, shattering the 17-year-old world record by a mind-blowing 0.44 seconds. His feat earned him the coveted title of “The Fastest Man on Earth.”