Ghanaian voice Afua Asantewaa Aduonum has captured the nation’s imagination with her bold attempt to break the world record for the longest individual singing marathon, a feat currently held by Indian singer Sunil Waghmare, who sang continuously for 105 hours in March 2012.
What began as a lighthearted idea has transformed into a historic national moment. Starting at midnight on December 24, Aduonum has been performing at Accra’s Akwaaba Village, drawing massive crowds who cheer her on through day and night. Her aim is not only to surpass the record but to promote Ghanaian music to the world.
According to Guinness World Records rules, Aduonum may take only a 20-minute break after every four hours, with each song lasting at least two minutes. Songs cannot be repeated within a four-hour window, and pauses between tracks must not exceed 30 seconds.
Aduonum has already sung beyond the 105-hour mark but plans to extend her performance to ensure eligibility, accounting for breaks. Remarkably, her playlist has been entirely Ghanaian — spanning gospel, highlife, and hiplife — as a patriotic statement to showcase the nation’s rich musical heritage.
Her effort has drawn widespread support, including a visit from Ghana’s Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia, who praised her resilience and urged the nation to stand behind her. “I came here to let her know that Ghana is behind her, and that she should go ahead and break the record,” he said.
Aduonum’s family, initially skeptical, are now among her proudest supporters. “She is trying to bring all Ghanaian musicians together by becoming one,” her brother said.
Her marathon sing-a-thon has gone viral across social media, uniting Ghanaians this festive season in what many call the country’s most inspiring Christmas gift.
