Nigerian celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, is preparing for another historic milestone, cooking the world’s largest pot of jollof rice. A viral video now circulating on social media shows the renowned chef stirring a massive pot of jollof rice in what she confirmed to be a test attempt ahead of the official record-breaking event.
The official attempt will take place on September 12, 2025, at Muri Okunola Park in Lagos during the Gino World Jollof Festival. The festival, which will be open to the public at no cost, is expected to draw thousands of food lovers, culture enthusiasts, and supporters eager to witness another groundbreaking moment in African culinary history.
Hilda Baci first rose to international fame in May 2023 when she completed a 100-hour cooking marathon, earning her a Guinness World Record for the longest individual cooking session. That achievement sparked global recognition, putting both the chef and Nigerian cuisine in the spotlight.
Now, in partnership with leading seasoning and culinary brand Gino, Baci is setting her sights on a more ambitious goal, preparing a pot of jollof rice measuring six metres wide and six metres tall. According to the chef, this project is more than a record-breaking attempt; it is a cultural statement and a celebration of West African identity through food.
In a post shared on her Instagram page, Baci reflected on the journey leading to this moment. “Almost two years ago I had the dream to cook the largest pot of jollof rice ever made. And now, with ginonaija and YOU, that dream is coming alive,” she wrote. “Six metres wide. Six metres tall. September 12, we make history together. Because what is jollof without you to share it with?”
The viral video shows Baci and her team carefully stirring the steaming test batch of jollof rice in a custom-built pot. In the background, industrial burners, large utensils, and safety equipment can be seen, underscoring the scale of the preparations. According to Baci, the trial run was necessary to test logistics, cooking times, and equipment capacity to ensure that the main event proceeds without any technical issues.
“Some dreams keep us awake until we make them reality,” Baci said in the video. “In 2023, it was the Hildebassi Cook-a-thon that took the world by storm. This year, it’s jollof the heartbeat of West Africa, a taste that tells our story. It’s more than cooking. It’s a celebration of our food, our culture, our music and us. We’re making history again and I want you to be there when it happens.”
The Gino World Jollof Festival will feature music performances, cultural displays, and tasting sessions of the record-breaking dish once it is completed. Organisers have promised a lively, family-friendly atmosphere where visitors can watch the giant pot come to life, learn about West African culinary heritage, and enjoy a variety of entertainment.
For Baci, the event represents more than personal ambition. It is an opportunity to showcase African cuisine on a global stage and unite people through a dish beloved across the continent. “This is about celebrating who we are,” she said. “Jollof rice is not just food. it’s a story of resilience, culture and community.” With the test attempt now completed successfully, all eyes are on Lagos as Hilda Baci prepares to serve up a pot of jollof rice unlike anything the world has seen before.