Guinness World Record: I was inspired by Kaffy, says Solaru

Oluwatosin Solaru, who recently completed the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest dance marathon by an individual, has traced her inspiration to Kafayat Shefau, also known as Kaffy.

Solaru told our reporter in Ibadan on Wednesday that when Kaffy and her team broke the record in 2006, she got inspired to be a record breaker.

“Then, I thought it had to be arranged and organised by an organisation like Silverbird or those who did hers.

“When Hilda Baci did hers last year, I met a friend who had also attempted a wash-a-thon, and I discovered it was something I could apply for; and it’s done,” she said.

Solaru alleged that Nigerians hardly understand talent, let alone embrace talented people.

“I had to do my part of making a clear statement that dance is beyond just a hobby,” she said.

NAN recalls that Solaru commenced her GWR on June 22 and ended it on June 29 at the Nile Cinema, Royal Roots Mall, Ikota, Lagos.

She added that, contrary to popular belief, not all dance categories with the GWR have the same title, explaining she applied for the longest dance marathon by an individual.

“There was very little support prior to the event, but as soon as the second day of the attempt, we started seeing more support from home and online.

“I am a professional actor and writer, a spoken words artist and an entrepreneur.

“In a rough estimate, it costs N3.5 million to put together the GWR performance,” she said.

The 30-year-old said she was considering collaborations with more dancers.

“I’ll be starting with my alma mater; I would love to have a series of workshops and seminars with at least 30 schools in Ogun and 20 in Lagos,” she said.

She said that her father was supportive from the beginning, as he had always shown interest in her career, while her mother was a little sceptical.

It was reported that the current GWR for the longest dance marathon by an individual is 127 hours, achieved by Srushti Jagtap, from India, in 2023.

Jagtap danced for five days straight at Dayanand College in Latur, Maharashtra, India.

Meanwhile, Solaru recorded 157 hours to beat the existing record, though still awaiting GWR ratification.