Nigerian illusionist Ibitoye Kingfahd, professionally known as Faddothegreat, has been officially confirmed as a Guinness World Record holder for the longest magic show by an individual, shattering a 22-year-old record with a 50-hour nonstop performance.
The 26-year-old magician announced on social media Tuesday, sharing photos of himself with the coveted Guinness certificate.
The record attempt took place from November 27 to 29, 2025, at the Landmark Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, where he performed continuously for 50 hours—demolishing the previous record of 30 hours and 45 minutes set by British magician Richard Smith in 2004.
“This Win Belongs to the Nation”
In his announcement, Faddothegreat expressed profound gratitude for the achievement.
“I am honoured to announce that I’ve broken the record for the longest magic show and am now officially a Guinness World Record holder,” he wrote. “This is a testament that God is good. This win isn’t just for me, it’s for the entire nation and the limitless potential we all carry within us.”
He extended appreciation to his team, sponsors, and volunteers: “A massive thank you to my incredible team, my event producer, my magic assistant, my management team, and every single volunteer who showed up with love and belief. This record belongs to all of us.”
A Marathon of Wonder
Under strict Guinness World Records guidelines requiring round-the-clock monitoring by witnesses and a medical team, Faddothegreat performed over 1,200 unique tricks, ranging from card routines to mentalism and stage illusions. Rules barred him from repeating any trick within a four-hour window, demanding extraordinary creativity and stamina.
“This record is more than a personal milestone; it is a statement for the Nigerian magic industry,” he said. “For too long, magic in Africa has been misunderstood or relegated to the shadows. I wanted to show the world and my fellow Nigerians that magic is a sophisticated art form, a craft of logic and wonder that belongs on the world’s biggest stages.”
From Engineering to Enchantment
A first-class Civil Engineering graduate of Adeleke University, Osun State, Faddothegreat spent over a year designing his own props and preparing physically for the marathon.
He began as a self-taught enthusiast, performing at family gatherings, and has since graced stages including Lagos Startup Week, the Pulse Influencer Awards, and Light-Up Lagos.
His achievement places him among Nigeria’s growing list of Guinness World Record holders, including chef Hilda Baci and artist Theresa “Tesglam” Emegwara, cementing the nation’s reputation for excellence on the global stage.
