Chef Kumzee Completes 163-Hour Cookathon, Inspiring Sierra Leoneans to Dream Big

Sierra Leonean chef and former Housemates Salone contestant Chef Kumzee has completed an ambitious 163-hour cooking marathon, drawing public attention to the determination, endurance and creativity of young Sierra Leoneans.

The challenge ended with a celebration attended by popular rapper King Boss La and Housemates Salone Season 4 winner Suad Baydoun, alongside supporters who followed the chef’s journey.

The 163-hour milestone represents six days and 19 hours of cooking, an undertaking that demanded considerable physical stamina, preparation and commitment.

Beyond the celebrations, Chef Kumzee’s achievement raises an important question: how can Sierra Leoneans use their talents to pursue ambitious goals, gain international recognition and create opportunities for themselves?

A Dream That Began Before the Celebration

Chef Kumzee during the 163 hours cookathon attempt

Chef Kumzee, whose real name is Kumba Sinah, is the founder of My Food by Kumzee. Her cookathon began on November 5, 2026 at Kabbana, along Lumley Beach Road in Freetown, as an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual.

The journey was not without difficulties. In October, Kumzee publicly appealed for financial and logistical support, explaining that she had approached businesses, government institutions and other potential sponsors.

Her decision to continue despite those challenges adds another dimension to the achievement. It shows how a personal ambition can develop into a national event when determination meets public support.

What Her Achievement Means for Sierra Leone

Fans gathering at the Cookathon attempt

For Sierra Leone, Kumzee’s completed challenge represents an opportunity to celebrate talent in a field that rarely receives the same public attention as football or music.

Her attempt also placed Sierra Leonean cooking in the spotlight. Through the preparation and sharing of food, the event offered a platform to promote the country’s culinary traditions and the people who preserve them.

The public support surrounding the cookathon demonstrated what Sierra Leoneans can accomplish when communities, entertainers, businesses and ordinary citizens rally behind a common goal.

Importantly, completing the 163-hour challenge does not automatically mean Guinness World Records has officially recognised a new world record. The organisation must first examine the evidence and confirm that its requirements were satisfied.

The existing record documented by Guinness World Records is 140 hours, 11 minutes and 11 seconds, achieved by Liberian-Australian chef Evette Quoibia. Kumzee’s reported time exceeds that mark, but official recognition remains a separate process.

How Sierra Leoneans Can Take Up Similar Challenges

Kumzee’s journey offers lessons for Sierra Leoneans who want to pursue ambitious achievements in their respective fields.

A young entrepreneur could attempt to develop an innovative product, an artist could organise an ambitious public exhibition, while a student or researcher could pursue an internationally recognised academic or scientific challenge.

The starting point is identifying a genuine talent and setting a measurable goal.

Those interested in Guinness World Records should first consult the organisation’s official website and identify an eligible record category. They must also obtain approval and review the guidelines before beginning an attempt.

Preparation is equally important. Participants need realistic budgets, reliable teams, appropriate equipment, proper documentation and, where necessary, medical supervision.

Extreme endurance challenges can pose serious health risks and should never be undertaken simply to attract publicity.

Sierra Leonean businesses and institutions also have an important role to play in supporting credible initiatives. They can provide mentorship and help talented individuals gain access to resources.

Beyond the 163 Hours

The excitement surrounding Kumzee’s cookathon should not end with the closing celebration.

Her experience could encourage greater investment in culinary training, food businesses and opportunities for young women in entrepreneurship.

It also offers a reminder that Sierra Leone’s talent extends well beyond its traditional areas of international recognition.

Whether Guinness World Records eventually confirms her attempt or not, Kumzee has completed the challenge she set out to undertake.

For other Sierra Leoneans with ambitious ideas, her journey offers a practical lesson. They should develop their skills, prepare carefully, seek support and pursue goals that create opportunities beyond a single moment of celebration.