#ChristmasMarathonChallenge: How a Nigerian Woman Broke the World Record for Longest Marathon Singing Christmas Songs
On December 27th, 2023, Lagos-born songstress Ewaoluwa Olatunji, better known as Ewa Cole, etched her name in the prestigious Guinness World Records book by achieving the title for the longest marathon singing Christmas carols. Over the course of 31 grueling hours, Ewa belted out beloved festive tunes, surpassing the minimum requirement of 24 hours and exceeding expectations with her vocal stamina and unwavering spirit.
Ewaoluwa Olatunji, is a 29-year-old Nigerian woman, who has made history by breaking the world record for the longest marathon singing Christmas songs. She sang for a total of 31 hours from December 27 to 28, 2023, at the Lagos City Hall, surpassing the previous record of 25 hours set by a Canadian group in 2012.
Olatunji, who goes by the stage name Ewa Cole aka “Queen of Afro-Solk”, is a software engineer, a clothing brand owner, and a singer-songwriter who created her own music genre called “Afro-Solk”, which is a fusion of Afro-pop, soul, and folk music. She said she took on the challenge to “promote peace and unity” and to inspire confidence in young people.
“Since childhood, I've been preparing for this moment. I was often put on stage to lead and perform at my school's Christmas carols,” Olatunji said in an interview with Guinness World Records (GWR). “I love Christmas songs because they are uplifting, joyful, and full of hope. They remind me of the true meaning of Christmas, which is the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.”
Olatunji sang classic Christmas songs such as “Deck the Halls”, “Frosty the Snowman”, “Silent Night”, and numerous others. She was not allowed to repeat any song within a one-hour period. She was also accompanied by a live band and a choir, as well as other singers who joined her throughout the event to support her.
The record attempt was not without challenges, as Olatunji had to battle fatigue, throat pain, and stomach problems during her sing-athon. She said the most difficult period was between the eighth and 12th hours, when she had consumed a drink that caused mild food poisoning symptoms. She also experienced severe throat pain after 20 hours, which made her consider giving up.
“By the 20th hour, I was desperate for a miraculous reprieve,” Olatunji admitted. “I never once stopped singing, even when I completely lost my voice. I will say that God was absolutely by my side all through.”
Olatunji said she was motivated by her faith, her family, her friends, and her fans, who cheered her on and encouraged her to keep going. She also received messages of support from celebrities, such as Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, and Davido, who praised her for her talent and courage.
After 31 hours of non-stop singing, Olatunji finally completed her record attempt and was greeted with applause, hugs, and tears of joy. She was presented with a certificate from GWR, making her the first holder of the record for the longest marathon singing Christmas songs.
Olatunji said she was thrilled to have earned the GWR title and was “still buzzing with excitement”. She said she hoped her record would inspire other young people to pursue their dreams and passions, and to use their talents for positive change.
Driven by a desire to "promote peace and unity" and "inspire confidence in young people," Ewa embarked on this ambitious challenge. With a twinkle in her eye and a powerful voice, she captivated audiences and adjudicators alike, weaving a joyous tapestry of Christmas classics like "Deck the Halls," "Frosty the Snowman," and "Silent Night." But the journey wasn't without its hurdles. Ewa bravely battled fatigue, throat strain, and even stomach issues during her marathon performance, fueled by sheer determination and the enthusiastic support of her team and online followers.
"Since childhood, I've been preparing for this moment," confessed Ewa, reflecting on her love for Christmas carols and her dedication to performing. "I was often put on stage to lead and perform at my school's carols, and I always cherished those moments. This record attempt felt like a culmination of that passion and a chance to share the joy of Christmas with the world."
Ewa's achievement resonated far beyond the confines of the record-breaking event. Her story was shared widely across Nigerian and international media, sparking messages of congratulations, admiration, and national pride. Social media was abuzz with the hashtag #NaijaChristmasQueen, celebrating Ewa's talent, resilience, and the cultural significance of her accomplishment.
"This record means so much to me," Ewa shared, her voice laced with emotion. "It's not just about singing carols; it's about showing the world what Nigerians can achieve with passion and perseverance. I hope my story inspires others to chase their dreams, no matter how big or small."
Ewa Cole's remarkable feat has not only secured her a place in history but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring musicians and dreamers worldwide. Her captivating performance and unwavering spirit offer a powerful message: with dedication, anything is possible, even breaking a world record while spreading festive cheer!
“It's incredible to consider all the limitless possibilities that lie ahead,” she said. “I can't wait to explore and make the most of them!”
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