A Nigerian trumpeter has played for 25 hours and 30 minutes non-stop in a bid to set a new Guinness World Record. Joshua, a full-time freelance musician, undertook the marathon performance at the Terra Kulture culture centre in Lagos on 9 May.
The attempt came after a previous effort in February 2024 was disqualified because he took a sip of water outside the permitted time window. That attempt lasted 24 hours and 46 minutes but none of the playing counted. Joshua initially vowed not to try again, but his students encouraged him to persevere.
During the successful attempt, Joshua played a varied set list including classical pieces, Afrobeat songs, jazz, and pop. He performed George Michael's 'Careless Whisper', Tyla's 'Water', and songs by Fela Kuti. He could not repeat any songs and improvisation was not allowed. He took only five-minute breaks per hour, sometimes playing for several hours straight to accumulate longer rests.
Joshua began playing the trumpet 15 years ago and now teaches the instrument. He said he wanted to draw attention to the value of musicians and music education. 'Music demands so much time, discipline, money, and years of study – yet it is so undervalued,' he said.
During the performance, his lips bled and his legs trembled, but he kept playing. 'When I finally stopped, it was the best feeling I've ever had,' he said. He is now planning a Music Empowerment tour across Africa to promote perseverance and discipline.
