In Nigeria, massage parlours have grown in popularity as a way for people to unwind and receive therapeutic advantages for physical and mental stress. However, there is increasing worry about some businesses that carry out illicit activities, particularly the offering of “happy endings” or sexual services. But if indeed, it is a tool for illicit sexual activities, would this profession be a Guinness World Record for the longest massaging period (massage-a-thon)?
Some say that being a masseur or masseuse is an honourable profession, as they believe that these professionals play a crucial role in promoting the physical and mental well-being of individuals.
The popularity of massage therapy today can be attributed to massage parlours being legitimate establishments that provide valuable services focused on promoting relaxation, wellness, and therapeutic benefits, and it could be in this light that Nigerian masseuse Joyce Ifeoma attempted the 72-hour massage-a-thon
72-Hour Massage-a-Thon Event
By pushing herself to the limits, Ijeoma aims to demonstrate the transformative power of massage and highlight its potential for promoting overall well-being.
On Sunday, a video of the young masseuse’s announcement went viral.
The viral video revealed her plans to take on the massage-a-thon challenge for 72 hours. The event began on Saturday, July 1st.
In preparation for her record-breaking feat, the Lagos-based lady claimed she conducted over 18 hours of massage on different individuals.
The 72-hour massage-a-thon attempt is ongoing in Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria. However, in the early hours of Tuesday, the masseuse fainted while she was massaging someone, bringing her GWR attempt to 53 hours.
Although Ijeoma’s record will be a first, the closest would be the Guinness World Record for the Longest full-body massage at 25 hours, 4 minutes.
A South African, Alastair Galpin, recognised as the second Guinness World Records breaker of the 2000s (2000-2009), set the record in South Kalimantan, Indonesia, in November 2015.
Beginning November 29 at 12:14 p.m. and ending November 30 at 1:18 p.m., Galpin performed a full-body massage on Nila Adha, taking a 15-minute break every 8 hours.
The Hilda Baci Effect
Hilda Baci, age 26, was named the Guinness World Record holder for the longest cooking marathon on June 13 after clocking 93 hours and 11 minutes.
The world record organisation recognised the Akwa Ibom chef as the current holder of the cook-a-thon and announced the accomplishment on their official Twitter page.
According to GWR, Hilda Effiong Bassey, also known as Hilda Baci, officially broke the record for the longest cooking marathon (individual), finishing in 93 hours and 11 minutes. This was determined after a careful examination of all the evidence.
Nonetheless, even before her GWR confirmation, Hilda Baci’s achievement inspired many young Nigerians to attempt record-breaking streaks across the country.
Other GWR attempts by Nigerians
In an effort to surpass Hilda Baci’s record of 100 hours, a chef from Ekiti State by the name of Damilola Adeparusi, also known as Chef Dammy, completed her 120-hour cook-a-tho on June 14.
While some Nigerians, including celebrities, praised her for having the guts to attempt to break a Guinness World Record, others criticised her actions, calling them controversial and inappropriate at the time.
Famous actor and comedian Bayegun Oluwatoyin, also known as Woli Arole, revealed his intended attempt at a world record on June 11.
The 33-year-old comedian announced via his social media page that he intends to establish a new Guinness World Record for the “longest prayer session,” which would last 5000 hours.
A digital artist named Oyinlola announced her attempt at the GWR via a Twitter post on the same day as Woli Arole. In October 2023, she said, she would try to break the record for the longest painting marathon.
