In an announcement that has captured the hearts of many, Guinness World Records (GWR) confirmed that Ghana’s own Afua Asantewaa did not succeed in her ambitious attempt to break the world record for the longest singing marathon. The attempt, which took place in December 2023, aimed to surpass the current record of 105 hours set in 2012. Despite her valiant effort, Asantewaa fell short of making history in this specific endeavor.
The news was shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), where GWR expressed admiration for Asantewaa’s determination and the wave of inspiration it sparked among her supporters. “We’ve seen how inspirational it has been for her fans…We wish Afua the best of luck with any future record attempts,” the organization stated, highlighting the positive impact of Asantewaa’s challenge on her community and beyond.
In a show of goodwill, GWR also noted that the fee Asantewaa’s team had paid for a priority review of her record attempt was refunded. This gesture comes after the singer and her team expedited the approval process in January 2024 by paying $750 for a swift evaluation, which typically takes five business days. However, due to the timing of the request coinciding with the start of the review process, the payment was returned to Asantewaa earlier this month.
Asantewaa’s attempt began at the stroke of midnight on Sunday, December 24, 2023, and concluded on the morning of December 29, 2023, after a grueling five days, six hours, and 55 minutes of continuous singing. Her journey ended on an emotional note with a rendition of Osibisa’s ‘Woyaya,’ followed by the playing of Ghana’s national anthem in recognition of her effort and dedication.
Following her attempt, Asantewaa was honored by the Ghana Tourism Authority, which named her a Tourism Ambassador, acknowledging her contribution to promoting Ghanaian culture and perseverance. The delay in the official announcement of her attempt’s outcome had fueled speculation and rumors about the result. However, GWR’s recent statement has clarified the situation, closing this chapter of Asantewaa’s journey while opening the door for future challenges.
Asantewaa’s attempt, despite not achieving the intended record, has undeniably struck a chord with the public, showcasing the spirit of determination and the power of pursuing one’s dreams. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, reminding us that the journey towards achieving a goal is often as significant as the achievement itself.
As she looks forward to future endeavors, Afua Asantewaa remains a symbol of resilience and ambition, representing the hopes and dreams of many who dare to dream big. The encouragement from Guinness World Records and the support from her community stresses the belief in her potential to achieve great things in the future.
