Entertainment
Ghanaians in awe as Chef Faila ‘beats’ Nigerian Hilda Baci with culinary skills
Chef Faila
The rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria has taken an interesting twist over the past few days when Chef Faila Abdul Razak began her attempt to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest cooking marathon (cook-a-thon) on January 1.
Prior to that, Nigerian Chef Hilda Baci, in 2023, claimed the world cooking record with a 100-hour performance but was later dethroned by Alan Fisher who holds the current record for 120 hours.
Elsewhere, Uganda Chef Dorcus Mirembe had cooked for 144 hours in an attempt to beat the current record, though yet-to-be validated.
In order to be on the safe side, Chef Faila made an outstanding 227 hours of cooking, with 2864 plates served with 156 meals in 10 days just incase the Ugandan’s attempt had been approved.
Her attempt, however had been nothing short of the usual superiority banter between Ghanaians and Nigerians.
With her outstanding presentation and attention to details with her variety of cuisines as compared to Chef Hilda’s, Ghanaians took to social media to celebrate yet another victory.
As they compared the dishes from Chef Hilda and Faila, many thought the Ghanaian’s emergence had settled yet another score and perhaps raised the bar as far as cooking skills were concerned.
“But for Chef Faila, Hilda Baci had scammed all of us that she is the best cook in West Africa,” a Nigerian Facebook user said.
“Hilda Baci must be arrested for the kind of things she prepared and managed to confuse the public that she is the best,” a Ghana-based Nigerian said on Instagram.
“God Bless Chef Faila for showing Nigerians how to prepare proper jollof,” another Ghanaian Facebook user commented.
Many of such comments and counter arguments have emerged since Chef Faila took the interesting challenge which, just like the Sing-a-thon, had attracted patronage and support from Ghanaian dignitaries and celebrities.
Notable among them were the Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Chief of Staff, Frema Akosua Osei-Opare, former First Lady, Lordina Mahama, former Black Stars players, Stephen Appiah, Laryea Kingston and Asamoah Gyan and a delegation from the Chief Imam, Sheik Osman Nuhu Sharubutu.
By Michael D. Abayateye
Ghanaian musician Ezecheal Kwasi Asimeng Frimpong, popularly known as Ancienth has released a new Palmwine single titled ‘Asukese Abena’.
The song is a celebration of love, culture, and the timeless wisdom embedded in Ghana’s traditional way of life.
According to him, the project is meant to remind people that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past.
“Through this project, I want people to understand that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past, it is a living heritage that still speaks powerfully to the present,” he said.
Ancienth traces his journey in Palmwine music to the pioneering work of Kwame Asare, also known as Jacob Sam, and the Kumasi Trio. He credits them with laying the foundation for one of Ghana’s most important musical traditions, a path that later generations continue to walk.
“I entered this space because I believe every nation must protect its cultural voice,” Ancienth explained, adding that “Palmwine music carries our stories, values, humour, history, and identity. Preserving it is not only a musical responsibility but also a cultural one.”
The musician described the journey as rewarding but challenging, noting that traditional music often receives less attention and investment compared to mainstream genres.
To strengthen the space, he is calling for greater support from the media, cultural institutions, educational bodies, and the public.
“My appeal to Ghanaians is simple, support indigenous music, because when a people lose their cultural sound, they gradually lose part of their identity,” he added.
As a torchbearer of Palmwine Music, Ancienth says his mission is to honour the legacy of the pioneers while introducing Palmwine music to new generations and audiences across the world.
Asukese Abena is now available on all digital platforms, including YouTube
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of celebrated visual artist and Guinness World Record holder Sharon Dede Padi, popularly known as Padiki.
In a statement signed on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, the Authority said Padiki’s passing was a painful loss to Ghana’s tourism and creative sectors, as well as the nation at large.
“Padiki was more than a Guinness World Record holder. She was a beacon of resilience, determination, creativity, and youthful excellence whose remarkable achievement brought pride not only to herself and her family but also to Ghana,” the statement said.
It added that through her determination to dream big and push boundaries, she inspired countless young people to believe that passion, perseverance and hard work could make the impossible possible.
The Authority said Ghana had lost “one of its brightest ambassadors whose story embodied the spirit of innovation, excellence, and the boundless potential of our people”.
Maame Efua Houadjeto, together with the management and staff of the GTA, extended condolences to Padiki’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as all those inspired by her journey.
