What was meant to be a seamless culinary spectacle took a dramatic turn when the giant pot used by celebrity chef Hilda Baci in her attempt to cook the world’s largest jollof rice cracked midway through the process.
The incident, which briefly caused panic among the crowd, drew quick responses from organisers and guests, ensuring the mishap did not derail the event. Spectators, including Nollywood star Funke Akindele and singer Iyanya, were seen cheering Hilda on as her team swiftly transferred the rice into backup pots.
Funke Akindele, who has been a vocal supporter of young Nigerian talents, urged the audience to keep faith with Hilda, describing the setback as “a small bump on the road to greatness.” Iyanya also took to the stage to encourage the chef, leading chants of support that lifted the mood at the venue.
Despite the disruption, Hilda remained composed and determined, insisting that the record attempt must continue. Her resilience drew admiration both online and on-site, with fans flooding social media with messages of encouragement.
Organisers later assured the public that safety standards were intact and that the pot’s structural failure was an unforeseen technical issue.
What could have been a disaster ultimately turned into a show of solidarity, with celebrities and fans rallying to ensure that Hilda’s dream of setting a Guinness World Record for the largest jollof rice remains alive.