Nigerian chef Hilda Baci has recounted a dramatic incident during her Guinness World Record attempt for cooking the largest pot of jollof rice. In a video interview, Baci shared her experience of the giant custom-made pot collapsing unexpectedly, causing a tense moment for her and her team.

The attempt took place on September 12 at the World Jollof Festival in Lagos, where Baci and her team prepared nearly 8,780 kilograms of jollof rice in a six-metre-wide pot designed to hold 23,000 litres. As a crane hoisted the pot for weighing, one side gave way, and the support legs collapsed. Despite the mishap, the food remained intact, and Baci’s team quickly responded to ensure the process remained credible and properly documented.

Baci explained that her priority was not the record itself, but rather feeding the people who had gathered to taste the food. She noted that the pot’s failure actually made food distribution easier, describing it as a “blessing in disguise.” Her team submitted photographic and video evidence of the weighing to Guinness World Records, which later certified her as the official holder of the record for the largest pot of jollof rice cooked at one time.

The incident highlights the challenges and unpredictability of attempting a Guinness World Record. Baci’s team had spent hours preparing the massive amount of jollof rice, and the collapse of the pot could have derailed their efforts. However, their swift response and adaptability ensured that the event remained successful.

The World Jollof Festival, where the record attempt took place, is an annual celebration of West African cuisine, particularly jollof rice, a popular dish in the region. The festival aims to promote cultural exchange and unity among West African countries. Baci’s achievement has brought attention to the festival and Nigerian cuisine, showcasing the country’s rich culinary heritage to a global audience.

With her record now officially certified, Baci’s feat is expected to inspire other chefs and food enthusiasts to explore the possibilities of large-scale cooking and cultural exchange. The incident also demonstrates the importance of teamwork, quick thinking, and adaptability in overcoming unexpected challenges.