Sing-A-Thon: Ghanaian Singer Aims to Dethrone Indian Record Holder in Longest Singing Marathon

Sunil Waghmare

The Guinness World Record for the longest singing marathon by an individual is currently held by Sunil Waghmare, a singer from Nagpur, India. He sang for 105 hours, from 3 to 7 March 2012, at the Dande Hospital premises in Nagpur. However, his record is now being challenged by a Ghanaian lady, Afua Asantewaa O. Aduonum, who is attempting to sing for more than 117 hours, focusing exclusively on Ghanaian songs.

The Current Record Holder

Sunil Waghmare is a noted singer of Orange City, who has achieved an incredible feat of endurance and passion. From 3 to 7 March 2012, he sang a variety of popular Indian songs, without repeating any song within a 4 hour period. He began his record attempt at 11:06am on 3 March.

Throughout the marathon, he was accompanied by a team of doctors, who monitored his health and ensured that he followed the rules set by the Guinness World Records. He was allowed a 5-minute break every hour, which he could accumulate and use for longer breaks. He was also allowed to drink water, juice, and tea during his singing. Despite the physical and mental challenges, he maintained his stamina and enthusiasm.

On the evening of 7 March 2012, he completed his record-breaking singing marathon and celebrated his achievement by singing along with his cheering supporters. He also received a certificate from the Guinness World Records, confirming his place in history.

The Challenger

Afua Asantewaa O. Aduonum

Afua Asantewaa O. Aduonum is a singer from Accra, Ghana, who is determined to break the record and make Ghana proud. She started her singing marathon on December 24, 2023, at Akwaaba Village, near Hajj Village, and has already completed over 72 hours as of the time of writing this article.

She is singing only Ghanaian songs, in languages such as Twi, Ga, and Ewe, among others. She is also singing songs from different Ghanaian artists, such as Sarkodie, Esther Smith, Sonnie Badu, Diana Hamilton, MzVee, Becca, the late Ebony, Fameye, Piesie Esther, and more. She said that she wants to showcase the richness and diversity of Ghanaian music and culture.

Like Waghmare, she is also following the rules and guidelines of the Guinness World Records, and is being supervised by a team of doctors and officials.

The Rules and Challenges

The Guinness World Records has set some strict rules and criteria for the longest singing marathon by an individual. Some of the rules are:

1. The singer must sing recognisable songs, which must not be repeated within a 4 hour period.
2. The singer must sing for at least 2 minutes per song, and the gap between songs must not exceed 30 seconds.
3. The singer must sing clearly and not just hum or mumble the lyrics.
4. The singer must be audible and the performance must be recorded and verified by independent witnesses.
5. The singer is allowed a 5-minute break every hour, which can be accumulated and used for longer breaks, such as for sleeping, eating, or resting.
6. The singer is allowed to drink water, juice, or tea during the performance, but not alcohol or energy drinks.
7. The singer must not receive any medical assistance or treatment that would enhance their performance, such as injections, oxygen, or steroids.

Asantewaa is still singing with determination and hopes to break the record by December 29, 2023 and make Ghana proud. She has received significant support from Ghanaians on social media and from some celebrities who have joined her in singing.