In a world where culinary feats and record-breaking aspirations have captured the imagination of millions, Nigerian culinary sensation Damilola Adeparusi, widely known as Chef Dammy, has taken to her social media platforms to set the record straight. The chef, who skyrocketed to fame following her ambitious 120-hour cook-a-thon in 2023, has firmly denied rumors suggesting she was gearing up for another attempt at a Guinness World Record—this time for cooking the largest pot of beans. The clarification, made on September 18, 2025, has put an end to weeks of speculation and reaffirmed Chef Dammy’s commitment to transparency with her growing fanbase.
The rumor mill had been abuzz with reports that Chef Dammy, a native of Ekiti State, was planning to take on a new challenge: preparing an unprecedentedly massive pot of beans to secure a place in the prestigious Guinness World Records. The claim, which gained traction across social media platforms and local news outlets, sparked excitement among her supporters, who have followed her journey since her meteoric rise to fame. However, in a concise yet unequivocal statement, Chef Dammy dismissed the speculation, emphasizing that no such plans were in motion. “I have no intention of attempting a Guinness World Record for the largest pot of beans,” she wrote on her verified Instagram and X accounts. “My focus is on inspiring people through my culinary journey and giving back to my community. Please disregard any rumors suggesting otherwise.”
The Rise of Chef Dammy: A Culinary Star is Born
To fully appreciate the significance of Chef Dammy’s statement, it’s worth revisiting the remarkable journey that brought her into the national and international spotlight. Damilola Adeparusi, a young chef from Oye-Ekiti, first captured public attention in June 2023 when she embarked on a grueling 120-hour cook-a-thon. The marathon cooking event, held in Ekiti State, was an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, a record then held by Indian chef Lata Tondon.
Though Chef Dammy’s cook-a-thon did not ultimately secure the Guinness World Record—due to procedural issues and failure to meet certain verification requirements—her effort was nothing short of extraordinary. For five days, she cooked tirelessly, preparing a wide array of Nigerian dishes, from jollof rice to pounded yam, while captivating audiences both online and offline. Her determination, resilience, and passion for showcasing Nigerian cuisine resonated with millions, turning her into a household name virtually overnight.
The cook-a-thon was live-streamed on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, drawing thousands of viewers who cheered her on through sleepless nights and moments of exhaustion. Supporters flocked to the venue in Ekiti, bringing food supplies, words of encouragement, and even musical performances to keep her spirits high. The event wasn’t just a test of culinary endurance; it became a cultural moment, highlighting the power of community and the unifying force of food in Nigeria.
Despite not clinching the record, Chef Dammy’s 120-hour cook-a-thon earned her widespread admiration and opened doors to opportunities she could scarcely have imagined. She became a symbol of ambition and perseverance, particularly for young Nigerians who saw her as a beacon of hope in a country where economic challenges often overshadow dreams. Her story also sparked conversations about the importance of proper planning and adherence to Guinness World Record guidelines, as her attempt faced criticism from some quarters for lacking official oversight.
The Context: A Surge in Guinness World Record Attempts
Chef Dammy’s clarification about the rumored beans record attempt comes at a time when Nigeria is experiencing an unprecedented wave of Guinness World Record challenges. This trend was ignited by the phenomenal success of Hilda Baci, a Lagos-based chef who, in May 2023, broke the record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual. Hilda’s 93-hour-and-11-minute cook-a-thon not only secured her a place in the Guinness World Records but also inspired a generation of Nigerians to pursue their own record-breaking dreams.
Hilda Baci’s achievement was a watershed moment for Nigeria’s culinary and cultural landscape. Her meticulously planned event, complete with official Guinness World Record adjudicators, showcased the richness of Nigerian cuisine and the tenacity of its people. The global recognition she received—coupled with endorsements, media appearances, and a surge in her restaurant’s popularity—demonstrated the transformative potential of a Guinness World Record title. It wasn’t long before other Nigerians, from chefs to dancers to artists, began announcing their own attempts to etch their names in the record books.
In the months following Hilda’s triumph, Nigeria saw a flurry of record attempts across various categories. From the longest painting marathon to the most extensive danceathon, Nigerians embraced the opportunity to showcase their talents and resilience on a global stage. The phenomenon became so widespread that it earned the nickname “Record-a-thon Mania” on social media, with hashtags like #NaijaBreaksRecords trending on platforms like X.
For many, these attempts were more than just personal milestones; they were a way to put Nigeria on the map, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate the country’s vibrant culture. Food, in particular, became a focal point, with chefs across the nation attempting to highlight the diversity and richness of Nigerian cuisine. Dishes like egusi soup, amala, and beans—a staple in many Nigerian households—took center stage as symbols of cultural pride.
It was against this backdrop that rumors of Chef Dammy’s alleged attempt to cook the largest pot of beans began to circulate. Beans, known as ewa in Yoruba or agwa in Igbo, hold a special place in Nigerian cuisine. Whether prepared as moi moi (steamed bean pudding), akara (fried bean cakes), or the classic ewa agoyin (mashed beans with spicy stew), beans are a versatile and beloved dish. The idea of Chef Dammy tackling a record centered on this cultural staple resonated with many, fueling speculation and excitement.
Addressing the Rumors: Chef Dammy’s Statement
The rumors about Chef Dammy’s supposed Guinness World Record attempt for the largest pot of beans began circulating in early September 2025. Posts on X and other platforms claimed that she was planning to cook a massive batch of beans to surpass an existing record or establish a new one. Some reports even suggested that she was collaborating with local farmers and sponsors to source thousands of kilograms of beans for the endeavor. The speculation was further amplified by Nigeria’s ongoing fascination with record-breaking feats, as well as Chef Dammy’s established reputation as a bold and ambitious chef.
However, Chef Dammy was quick to address the rumors, using her social media platforms to clarify her stance. In her statement, she expressed gratitude for the enthusiasm of her supporters but firmly denied any plans for a beans-related record attempt. “I appreciate the love and support from my fans, but I want to make it clear that I am not pursuing any Guinness World Record for cooking beans,” she wrote. “My focus right now is on my culinary projects, empowering young chefs, and giving back to my community in Ekiti.”
Her statement was met with a mix of reactions. Many fans praised her for her transparency and for staying true to her values, while others expressed disappointment, having hoped to see her take on another high-profile challenge. Some social media users speculated that the rumors may have stemmed from a misunderstanding of her ongoing culinary projects, which often involve cooking large quantities of food for community outreach programs.
Beyond the Rumors: Chef Dammy’s Current Endeavors
While Chef Dammy has ruled out a Guinness World Record attempt for now, she remains a prominent figure in Nigeria’s culinary scene. Since her 2023 cook-a-thon, she has leveraged her platform to inspire and empower others, particularly young women and aspiring chefs. Through her catering business, Dammy’s Kitchen, she has continued to showcase Nigerian cuisine, offering cooking classes, pop-up dining experiences, and community feeding initiatives.
One of her most notable projects is her “Cook for a Cause” initiative, which aims to provide meals to underprivileged communities in Ekiti State. The program, launched in 2024, has distributed thousands of free meals to schoolchildren, orphanages, and low-income families. Chef Dammy has described the initiative as a way to give back to the community that supported her during her cook-a-thon. “Food is love, and it’s a way to connect people,” she said in a recent interview. “I want to use my skills to make a difference, one plate at a time.”
In addition to her charitable work, Chef Dammy has been exploring opportunities to expand her brand. She has hinted at plans to launch a cookbook featuring her signature recipes, as well as a YouTube channel where she will share cooking tutorials and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her culinary journey. These endeavors reflect her commitment to inspiring others and promoting Nigerian cuisine on a global stage.
The Cultural Significance of Record-Breaking in Nigeria
The wave of Guinness World Record attempts in Nigeria, exemplified by the likes of Hilda Baci and Chef Dammy, speaks to a broader cultural moment. In a country known for its resilience and creativity, these record-breaking efforts are a testament to the indomitable spirit of Nigerians. They reflect a desire to break free from limitations, challenge global perceptions, and celebrate the nation’s rich heritage.
For Chef Dammy, the journey has been about more than just records. Her 120-hour cook-a-thon, though not officially recognized by Guinness World Records, was a triumph of perseverance and community support. It showcased the power of food to bring people together and highlighted the potential of young Nigerians to achieve greatness against the odds.
The rumors about the largest pot of beans, while unfounded, underscore the public’s fascination with Chef Dammy and her ability to capture their imagination. They also reflect the broader trend of Nigerians embracing ambitious challenges, whether in the kitchen, on the dance floor, or in the art studio. As the country continues to produce record-breakers and trailblazers, Chef Dammy’s story remains a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity, resilience, and staying true to one’s purpose.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Chef Dammy?
As Chef Dammy continues to carve out her place in Nigeria’s culinary landscape, her fans are eager to see what she does next. While a Guinness World Record attempt may not be on the horizon, her passion for cooking and her commitment to making a difference suggest that her journey is far from over. Whether through her community outreach, her culinary creations, or her efforts to inspire the next generation, Chef Dammy is poised to leave a lasting legacy.
In her social media statement, she hinted at exciting projects in the works, including collaborations with other chefs and potential international ventures. “I’m working on something big,” she teased, without revealing details. “It’s not about breaking records—it’s about breaking barriers and showing the world what Nigerian cuisine and Nigerian spirit are all about.”
For now, Chef Dammy’s fans can rest assured that she remains focused on her craft and her community. Her decision to address the rumors head-on demonstrates her commitment to transparency and her desire to maintain a strong connection with her supporters. As Nigeria’s record-breaking fever shows no signs of slowing down, Chef Dammy’s story continues to inspire, reminding us all that greatness is not always measured by titles or records but by the impact one has on the world around them.
