Nigerian chef attempts 82-hour barbecue marathon in Lagos

Akinsowon Edwin, Nigerian chef and accountant, embarks on a unique journey to set a Guinness record. His attempt at it? An 82-hour barbecue marathon in Lagos this weekend.

The Guinness World Record for the longest barbecue marathon is 80 hours, achieved by Jan Greeff (USA and South Africa) in association with Char-Broil, LLC., at an event in Columbus, Georgia, USA, on April 27, 2014.

Over three days, Greeff cooked 1,000 hot dogs, 200 kernels of corn, 104 pieces of chicken, 558 hamburgers and 526 boerewors (South African sausage).

Edwin, an indigene of Ondo State, drawing on his diverse background and motivated by a deep-rooted belief in achieving the extraordinary, aspires to grill for over 82 hours, surpassing the 80 hours set by the current record holders.

The chef said he would start his barbecue marathon at a location next to Eric Kayser Restaurant, Bishop Aboyade Cole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, on June 15 and stop when he broke the record.

Background

This 48-year-old is not only a chef, but also a passionate griller and aspiring world champion. His background in accounting and his deep love for the culinary arts have paved the way in his journey from art student to aspiring record-breaker. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and unwavering faith in the pursuit of one’s passion.

When asked about the inspiration behind this ambitious endeavor, he shared, “Although I was an art student in high school and then studied accounting in higher education, I found my true calling in the restaurant business. Learning to grill from my grandfather in Ondo town ignited my passion for barbecue.”

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His path to this record-breaking attempt began two years ago. He said he envisioned himself as a world champion and that working at a restaurant solidified his dream of achieving greatness through barbecue.

To ensure his success, last year he enlisted the help of an expert trainer, who spent a month perfecting his grilling skills.

Despite significant obstacles, such as financial limitations and a demanding work ethic, the chef’s determination remains unwavering. His unwavering focus on his goal is a source of inspiration for all record-breaking hopefuls.

Details

According to him, you must barbecue in a public area to break the record, following specific guidelines set by Guinness World Records.

He said: “I plan to grill for more than 82 hours, using charcoal only, as modern grilling machines are banned. The event will be open to the public and I will have a medical certificate to guarantee the quality and safety of the food. Guinness only allows breaks, not time to sleep. My goal is to stay active for the full four days,” she stated.

He further said that the Lagos State Government is providing emergency services to ensure safety and that all food prepared will be approved by the government to maintain high standards.

Moral support, community response.

Staying motivated during such a demanding task is no small feat. Mr. Edwin has the unwavering support of his mother and her colleagues in the culinary field. Despite the lack of widespread support, he remains hopeful and determined.

The chef not only aims to break the Guinness World Record, but also aims to share his experience and techniques with others. His teaching experience from his institutional days will be a valuable asset in this effort, making his journey a collective one.

When asked about celebrating the record achievement, he smiled and said: “Let the day come first and you will see.

“My determination to break the Guinness World Record for the longest BBQ marathon will be a testament to my dedication, resilience and unwavering faith in my dreams. The event promises to be an inspiring display of skill, determination and community spirit, with free barbecue, drinks, games, music and entertainment, giveaways and much more.

As a parting note, he shared simple yet profound advice for aspiring record breakers: “Never lose hope. Start planning and believe in your dreams. Your belief will make this happen even when the odds are against you.”