In a stirring display of endurance, discipline, and musical mastery, Naib Subedar Shambhu Kumar of the Indian Army has achieved a remarkable hat-trick by setting three Guinness World Records for the longest sustained musical note — a feat that has stunned the music and military communities alike.
The accomplished musician and Army bandsman achieved the records using a wind instrument, holding a note for an unprecedented duration while maintaining pitch, clarity, and control — all under the strict scrutiny of Guinness World Records adjudicators.
“Discipline is part of our training in the Army, and music is my soul,” said Shambhu Kumar after the record announcement. “Combining the two has brought me this honor, and I hope it inspires many more to follow their passion.”
Shambhu Kumar’s Guinness World Records include:
- Longest sustained musical note on a wind instrument (solo)
- Longest sustained note in a live public performance
- Longest sustained note by a military personnel (world-first category)
According to the Guinness officials, he held a single note for 1 minute and 40.2 seconds, surpassing previous global benchmarks and setting a new standard in breath control and tonal stability.
“It’s a rare combination of lung strength, technique, and sheer mental focus,” said Sophia Jones, official adjudicator from Guinness World Records.
Hailing from Bihar, Shambhu Kumar joined the Indian Army over a decade ago and quickly became known not just for his service, but for his exceptional talent as a bandsman. His daily routine includes rigorous physical training, musical rehearsals, and hours of breathing exercises.
He attributes his success to the support of the Army Music Wing and his mentors, who encouraged him to attempt something never done before on a global stage.
“The Indian Army doesn’t just make soldiers — it builds artists, athletes, and leaders,” said Brigadier P.K. Singh, head of the Army’s Cultural Division.
The news has sparked celebration across India, with messages pouring in from fellow servicemen, musicians, and civilians alike. Several army bands across the country held tribute performances to honor Shambhu Kumar’s world-record achievement.
On social media, the hashtags #ShambhuKumar, #MusicalSoldier, and #GuinnessHatTrick began trending as the nation celebrated one of its own reaching new heights — not with weapons, but with music.
With three Guinness titles to his name, Shambhu Kumar now plans to mentor young musicians within the forces and civilian institutions. He’s also expected to be featured in international music festivals and documentary series celebrating unusual talents in uniform.
“This is just the beginning,” Kumar said. “Music transcends boundaries — and I want to take India’s military music to the world stage.”
