Guinness World Records has officially confirmed that Nigerian illusionist and performer, Ibitoye Kingfahd, popularly known as FaddotheGreat, has set a new world record for the Longest Magic Show by an Individual. In an extraordinary display of endurance, mental fortitude, and sleight of hand, FaddotheGreat performed non-stop for 50 hours, shattering the previous record of 30 hours and 45 minutes held by the UK’s Richard Smith since 2004.
The historic attempt took place from November 27 to 29, 2025, at the POP Landmark Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. Over the course of three days, FaddotheGreat captivated a live and global audience with over 1200 unique tricks, ranging from intricate card manipulations to mind-bending mentalism and large-scale stage illusions. Per Guinness World Record guidelines, the performer was prohibited from repeating any trick within a four-hour window, requiring a massive repertoire of skill and preparation.
“This record is more than a personal milestone; it is a statement for the Nigerian magic industry. For too long, magic in Africa has been misunderstood or relegated to the shadows. I wanted to show the world and my fellow Nigerians that magic is a sophisticated art form, a craft of logic and wonder that belongs on the world’s biggest stages.” -FaddotheGreat, upon receiving his official GWR plaque in Lagos
A First-Class Civil Engineering graduate, Faddo spent over a year meticulously designing his own props and undergoing rigorous physical training to prepare for the 50-hour marathon. His achievement has sparked a nationwide conversation, successfully shifting the narrative around magic from “mysticism” to “mastery.”
The event, which drew thousands of spectators to the Landmark Centre, has now been etched into history, positioning Faddo the Great as a global ambassador for African entertainment and a pioneer of modern illusion.
