Despite beating the previous record by more than 16 hours, Afua Asantewaa‘s effort was annulled due to rest interruptions, generating criticism over fairness and strict GWR standards.
Afua Asantewaa Aduonum, a Ghanaian media celebrity and tourist advocate, has encountered another setback in her attempt to set the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest singing marathon.
In an official statement posted on her Instagram profile, Afua stated that her second attempt to achieve the renowned title was a failure.
The attempt, which took place in Kumasi in December 2024, aimed to break the existing record of 105 hours held by Indian vocalist Sunil Waghmare since 2012.
Afua Asantewaa began her second singing marathon on December 21, 2024, in Heroes’ Park, which is located within the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. She finished her performance on December 26th, having sang for an amazing 121 hours and 39 minutes, far exceeding the target time.
Despite her extraordinary endurance accomplishment, her application was dismissed due to violations of the established rules provided by the Guinness World Records team.
Afua provided parts from the communication she received from Guinness World Records, which explained the particular reasons for the disqualification. According to the email, she did not comply with the marathon’s required break times at important intervals.
According to the email, Afua took a 15-minute break at 23:25 during sequence 19, despite the fact that she was only allowed to 5 minutes of relaxation. “Later, during sequence 21, she took a 105-minute break, despite having only accumulated 10 minutes of rest time.
Her second submission was rejected due to large departures from the permitted rest-to-activity ratio.
Despite her disappointment, Afua remained positive and grateful. In her message, she thanked her supporters, including the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and various corporate groups that helped her throughout the journey.
She also recognised the positive feedback she received from both fans and critics, highlighting the influence the journey has had on her personal and professional life.
It has been a tough yet rewarding adventure. Exploring my potential on the Guinness World Records platform has led to growth, discovery, and life-changing experiences.
Though she has made two unsuccessful efforts to break the record, Afua Asantewaa’s persistence and drive continue to inspire people. Her willingness to push her limits and expose Ghanaian talent worldwide remains an important part of her public mission.
Whether or whether she makes a third attempt, her efforts have surely helped to raise Ghana’s profile in the worldwide arena of performance endurance.
