The atmosphere at Hilda Baci’s Guinness World Record attempt for the largest pot of jollof rice took an electrifying turn when Nollywood icon, Funke Akindele, made a spectacular surprise appearance.
The actress, filmmaker, and politician was welcomed with thunderous cheers as fans and onlookers rushed to capture the moment on their phones, turning the event into a star-studded celebration of food, culture, and Nigerian resilience.
Hilda Baci, already known for her relentless pursuit of records after her successful cook-a-thon in 2023, drew global attention once again with her bold attempt to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice.
But when Funke Akindele appeared at the venue, the energy shifted into overdrive.
The celebrated Nollywood actress, fondly known as “Jenifa” after her breakout comedy role, joined Hilda on stage, sharing warm hugs and words of encouragement.
Dressed in a casual yet stylish outfit, Funke Akindele’s presence symbolized not just her support for Hilda’s culinary ambition, but also a broader celebration of Nigerian women breaking barriers in their industries.
For the crowd gathered, Funke Akindele’s appearance was nothing short of magical.
Many chanted her name, while others clamored for selfies and videos.
Social media quickly lit up with clips of the moment, with hashtags like #FunkeAkindele, #HildaBaci, and #JollofRiceRecord trending across Nigerian Twitter and Instagram.
One fan at the venue said, “Seeing Hilda and Funke together was everything. It felt like two queens of different industries celebrating Nigeria on the global stage.”
Funke Akindele, not the only celebrity to grace the event.
A host of Nigerian entertainers, influencers, and cultural icons also showed up to support Hilda’s ambitious attempt.
Tiwa Savage, the Afrobeats queen, sent in a goodwill message via Instagram Live, praising Hilda’s courage and calling the event a “global showcase of Nigerian culture.”
Chef Fregz, one of Nigeria’s top culinary voices, was present to lend professional backing, emphasizing the importance of preserving Nigerian food heritage.
Alex Ekubo, Nollywood actor and comedian, was spotted mingling with fans, cracking jokes, and cheering Hilda on.
Media personalities like Toke Makinwa and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu also added star power, using their platforms to broadcast live updates to millions of followers.
Rising stars such as Tems and Ayra Starr showed support online, amplifying Hilda’s attempt to their global fan bases.
This collective show of solidarity highlighted how the Nigerian entertainment and cultural community is increasingly rallying around events that put the nation on the world map.
Jollof rice, often regarded as West Africa’s most beloved dish, holds deep cultural symbolism in Nigeria.
Hilda’s attempt was not just about breaking a record but about elevating Nigerian cuisine to the global stage.
Funke Akindele’s involvement further underscored this cultural pride, as she used her platform to speak about Nigerian unity and creativity.
“Jollof rice is more than food; it is our story, our laughter, our resilience,” Funke told the cheering crowd.
“What Hilda is doing here is bigger than Guinness—it’s about showing the world that Nigeria leads not just in movies or music, but in culture.”
The event was not without its share of controversies.
Critics had raised questions about whether all the rice used in the cook-off was properly prepared and whether Guinness would validate the attempt.
Hilda’s team addressed these concerns directly, stating that due diligence was followed in line with Guinness World Records guidelines.
Funke Akindele, in her speech, dismissed the doubts, urging Nigerians to focus on the significance of the achievement rather than the naysayers.
“Let us celebrate our wins. Let us celebrate Hilda. This is history, and we must own it,” she declared.
The sight of Funke Akindele, Hilda Baci, and other Nigerian celebrities standing together was more than entertainment—it was a moment of unity and inspiration.
In a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic and political challenges, the event became a beacon of hope, reminding the nation of its immense cultural wealth.
As the record-breaking pot of jollof rice continued to simmer, fans lined up for tastings, dancing to Afrobeats tunes that filled the air.
For many, the experience of seeing Hilda’s determination combined with Funke’s surprise appearance created memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether or not Guinness ultimately validates Hilda Baci’s record, the event has already achieved something larger: it spotlighted Nigerian resilience, creativity, and cultural pride on a global stage.
Funke Akindele’s support gave it an extra dimension, bridging Nollywood and Nigeria’s culinary world in a rare and powerful moment.
With celebrities, fans, and ordinary Nigerians rallying behind Hilda, the cook-off has become more than just a record attempt—it is a story of unity, passion, and the limitless potential of Nigerian talent.