In one of the most unusual and emotionally charged world record attempts, a Nigerian man has made headlines across the globe after crying non-stop for seven days, securing a spot in the record books—but at a serious personal cost. The marathon of tears led to temporary blindness, dehydration, and exhaustion, highlighting the extremes some will go to chase a dream.
Tembu Ebere, a performance artist and aspiring record-setter, began his “cry-a-thon” with a single goal: to break the world record for the longest continuous crying session. For 168 consecutive hours, he wept day and night—pausing only briefly for medical checks and hydration breaks as permitted by Guinness World Record guidelines.
However, midway through the challenge, Ebere began to experience severe complications. “I started having headaches, puffy eyes, and even went partially blind for about 45 minutes,” he revealed in a post-event interview. “It was scary, but I had come too far to quit.”
His support team, including health professionals, closely monitored his condition. Despite their warnings, Ebere pushed on, eventually completing the full seven-day challenge in what he described as “a blur of pain, emotion, and sheer willpower.”
The attempt, which was livestreamed online and drew thousands of viewers, sparked widespread discussion. While many applauded his dedication and mental toughness, others questioned the health risks involved in such extreme feats.
Guinness World Records has confirmed receipt of the documentation and is currently reviewing the footage and data to verify the record.
“I cried for more than just a record,” Ebere said. “It was about turning pain into purpose, showing that we can break through limits—even emotional ones.”
Since completing the cry-a-thon, Ebere has recovered from the temporary blindness and plans to use his platform to advocate for mental health awareness and emotional expression, particularly among African men. “Crying doesn’t make you weak,” he added. “Sometimes, it’s the strongest thing you can do.”
