Guinness World Records (GWR) has provided clarity on the disqualification of Afua Asantewaa O. Aduonum for her Sing-A-Thon attempt as an individual in December 2023.
According to GWR, Afua’s disqualification stemmed from “guidelines around rest break timings not being met,” which they assert is a standard rule across all of their longest marathon records.
The explanation came in response to an inquiry from Ghana Business News regarding Afua Asantewaa’s disqualification. The news outlet had sought clarification on the verdict and whether it had been communicated to Aduonum.
In their response, a spokesperson for GWR stated, “Unfortunately, Afua’s Guinness World Records attempt for the Longest Singing Marathon was not successful, but we hope that she will make another attempt soon.”
The main reason cited for disqualifying Afua’s attempt was the failure to adhere to guidelines regarding rest break timings, a standard rule applied to all GWR longest marathon records.
Afua Asantewaa had aimed to break the current record set by Sunil Waghmare, an Indian who sang for 105 hours in 2012. Despite her valiant effort, she completed the longest singing marathon as an individual at 126 hours and 52 minutes on December 29, 2023.
In response to the GWR’s official publication of her disqualification, Afua took to her Facebook page to express her gratitude for the support she received and hinted at announcing her next course of action in the coming days.
Her Sing-A-Thon attempt garnered significant attention and admiration, solidifying her as an inspirational figure. Many supporters hope that GWR will reconsider and declare Afua’s marathon as qualified for the certificate she had aimed for.
Despite the setback, Afua’s determination and perseverance have resonated with many, affirming her status as a winner in the eyes of her supporters. She has shown that with dedication and resolve, she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to, regardless of external validation.