Guinness World Records: Longest ‘Gangan’ drumming marathon in progress in Ekiti

Olaniyi Adewale, a Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) undergraduate, is attempting to set a Guinness World Record for the Longest Marathon Drumming [150 hours] with an African talking drum popularly known as Gangan.

The Saki-born indigene of Oye-Ekiti has taken it upon himself to set a record for the longest drumming marathon in his university town.

He acknowledged embarking on the ambitious attempt and putting a creative spin using the popular African Talking Drum(Gangan).

The closest to Adewale’s record attempt is Allister Brown, an Irishman who is the longest-drumming marathon record holder.

He set the record in July 2023 in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, after drumming nonstop for 150 hours and 1 minute to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and in memory of his late partner.

Unlike the Nigerian, he played a drum set

Adewale began the attempt on Monday, stayed, and hit the 137-hour mark as of press time. He said the Guinness World Records acknowledged his attempt and approved it.

The uniqueness of this marathon is that his listening fans and audience are a part of it all as they are making song requests, and he is delivering on all of it.

These requests span songs and gyrations by composers and singers like Simi, Emma O my God, Ayo Ajewole (WOLI AGBA), Tope Alabi, and Mayokun (musician and artiste), to mention a few.

Another unique style Adewale has employed is singing songs of praise, recognising and acknowledging the impact of certain people—a unique and significant Yoruba style of acknowledgement.

These individuals are Khalid Olabisi (Okere of Saki), Mr Macaroni (one of Nigeria’s leading skit makers and influencers, and Odunlade Adeola (actor Nollywood), to mention a few.

The undergraduate has proven versatile, and his educational pursuits haven’t dampened his zest for purpose.