Magic has always had a funny relationship with Nigerians. We love it at weddings. We scream when a card disappears. Sometimes, we demand to know how it happened five seconds later. Someone will always shout, “Show us your hand!”
Now imagine doing that dance with an audience for 50 straight hours. No hiding, no shortcuts, and no repeating tricks.
That is exactly what Nigerian illusionist, Ibitoye Kingfahd, known professionally as FaddotheGreat, has done. And this time, there is a Guinness World Records certificate to prove it.
50 Hours, 1 Stage, Zero Repeats
On February 17, 2026, FaddotheGreat announced that Guinness World Records had officially confirmed him as the new holder of the record for the Longest Magic Show by an Individual.
The historic attempt took place from November 27 to 29, 2025, at the POP Landmark Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. For 50 continuous hours, he performed before a live audience, moving from card routines to mentalism to full stage illusions without stopping the show.
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The previous record stood at 30 hours and 45 minutes, set in 2004 by United Kingdom magician, Richard Smith. FaddotheGreat surpassed that mark by nearly 20 hours.
Under Guinness guidelines, he could not repeat any trick within a four hour window. That meant his performance required a deep catalogue of material. Reports indicate he executed more than 1,200 unique tricks over the course of three days.
When the confirmation finally arrived, he shared photos of himself holding the official certificate. In his announcement, he described the achievement as a national win and thanked his team, sponsors, management, assistants, and volunteers who supported the marathon.
But the numbers only tell part of the story.
More Than a Stunt, A Statement by FaddotheGreat
For FaddotheGreat, this record was never just about endurance. He has been vocal about changing how magic is perceived in Nigeria and across Africa.Magic on the continent has often been misunderstood or linked to superstition. He wanted to reposition it as a structured performance art built on logic, creativity, discipline, and stagecraft.
By placing Nigerian magic on a global record platform, he has forced a new conversation. You can no longer dismiss it as a side act. A 50 hour show demands preparation, rehearsal, technical precision, and physical stamina.
He reportedly spent over a year preparing for the marathon. Beyond rehearsing routines, he underwent physical conditioning to manage fatigue and designed many of his own props to meet performance standards. That level of preparation shows that what audiences see as effortless wonder is backed by careful engineering.
In his words, the goal was to demonstrate that magic deserves a place on the world’s biggest stages. With this record, he has moved that argument from theory to evidence.
Meet FaddotheGreat
Behind the stage name is Ibitoye Kingfahd, a First Class Civil Engineering graduate from Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State. His academic background explains part of his approach. Engineering requires structure, calculation, and design. Those same principles now shape his illusions.
He began as a self taught enthusiast, performing at family gatherings and among friends. What started as a hobby grew into a career spanning more than a decade. Over time, he refined his style and stepped onto larger platforms.
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He has performed at Lagos Startup Week, the Pulse Influencer Awards, and Light Up Lagos, among other high profile events. He has also delivered shows for major brands including Heineken, Jameson, Flutterwave, the Lagos State Government, Endeavor Nigeria, Pulse NG, and the Troost Ekong Foundation.
Across more than 300 shows, from intimate gatherings to audiences of over 5,000 people, he has built a reputation for blending storytelling, humor, and sleek presentation.His brand deliberately avoids outdated magician stereotypes. No exaggerated costumes. No tired clichés. Instead, he presents a stylish, contemporary image that reflects modern African creativity.
Building a Modern African Magic Movement
FaddotheGreat describes his mission clearly: putting Nigerian magic on the global stage.Globally, magic is a billion dollar entertainment industry. In Nigeria, it has often remained in the shadows of music, film, dance, and comedy. His strategy has been simple. Deliver premium performances. Collaborate with respected brands. Create moments that audiences cannot ignore.
By partnering with corporate organizations and large scale events, he has repositioned magic as a viable, professional entertainment option. His shows are structured experiences, designed to engage, surprise, and connect with audiences.
The 50 hour marathon now serves as a powerful calling card. It places him in the global record books and positions him as one of the leading faces of contemporary African illusion.
For young creatives watching, the message is clear. There is room to build globally recognized careers in unconventional spaces. Magic may deal in illusion, but this achievement is very real.
FaddotheGreat’s Guinness World Record is a milestone for him and a moment for Nigerian entertainment as a whole. It shows what happens when talent meets preparation and vision.
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