Africa is the birthplace of extraordinary achievements, and the Guinness World Records are proof of this.
Africa, a land of diversity and extraordinary talents, is home to world records that have brought it to the international stage. Africans have made history in the Guinness World Records with stunning achievements, ranging from sports to arts and personal challenges. Here’s a look at the top 10 records held by Africans, achievements that push the boundaries of human performance and continue to inspire generations around the world.
- Paul Kehinde
Nigerian Paul Kehinde reached unprecedented heights in the para powerlifting world. At the 2018 Para Powerlifting World Cup in Dubai, he broke his own record by lifting 221 kg in the -65kg category. This achievement not only left a mark on the history of the sport but also made Kehinde a symbol of determination and perseverance. - Wayde van Niekerk
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, South African athlete Wayde van Niekerk broke the 400-meter world record with a time of 43.03 seconds, achieving an incredible feat. This record ended Michael Johnson’s long reign and remains one of the most iconic records in athletics history. - Eliud Kipchoge
Kenyan marathoner Eliud Kipchoge is one of the most famous names in world sports. In 2019, at a special race in Vienna, Austria, he completed a marathon in 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 40 seconds, becoming the first person to run a marathon in under two hours. Though achieved outside official conditions, this record marked a giant leap in long-distance running history. - Chinonso Eche
Nigerian Chinonso Eche is an emerging star in freestyle football. In February 2023, he broke the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive juggling with a ball balanced on his head, completing a total of 133 juggles. This achievement not only broke his own record but also captivated football fans around the world. - Tuedon Morgan
Another Nigerian athlete, Tuedon Morgan, showed extraordinary endurance by running half-marathons on every continent, including the North Pole. She set a unique record by completing these distances in 62 days, 12 hours, and 58 minutes, proving her determination and physical strength. - Stephen Keshi
Stephen Keshi’s success in the football world remains unmatched. He is the only person to have won the Africa Cup of Nations as both a player and a coach. In 1994, he led Nigeria to victory as captain and repeated this achievement in 2013 as a coach, cementing his status as an African football legend. - Fela Kuti
Nigerian afrobeat icon Fela Kuti left an indelible mark on the music world with 46 solo albums. This impressive number made him one of the continent’s most prolific artists, and his musical legacy continues to influence generations of artists worldwide. - Haile Gebrselassie
One of the greatest long-distance runners in history, Haile Gebrselassie holds several world records, including in the 5000 and 10,000 meters. His dominance in long-distance running during the 90s and 2000s was a model of consistency and extraordinary talent, and he remains an ambassador for Ethiopian and African sports. - Wizkid
Nigerian musician Wizkid made history by becoming the first African artist to hit one billion streams on Spotify through his collaboration with Drake on “One Dance.” This achievement paved the way for other African artists to conquer global music stages. - Kimani Ng’ang’a Maruge
The story of Kimani Ng’ang’a Maruge, a Kenyan who started primary school at the age of 84, is one of the most inspiring tales of all time. He enrolled in first grade in 2004, and not only did he learn to read and write, but he also excelled in his exams, proving that age is no barrier to learning.
