Sierra Leonean chef Kumba Sinah, known as Chef Kumzee, has successfully completed a remarkable 163-hour cooking marathon. This feat, which took place at Kabbana on Lumley Beach Road in Freetown, seeks to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual and aimed to highlight the determination and creativity of young people in Sierra Leone.
The marathon ended with a celebration featuring popular rapper King Boss La and Season 4 winner of Housemates Salone, Suad Baydoun, alongside Kumzee’s supporters. Over the six days and 19 hours of cooking, Kumzee showcased considerable stamina and dedication.
Despite facing challenges securing financial and logistical support, Chef Kumzee’s resolve transformed her personal goal into a celebrated national event. Her achievement raises significant questions about how Sierra Leoneans can leverage their talents to gain recognition and create opportunities for themselves.
Kumzee, also the founder of My Food by Kumzee, announced her cookathon starting on November 5, 2026, with hopes of breaking the previous record of 140 hours, 11 minutes, and 11 seconds, held by Liberian-Australian chef Evette Quoibia. While she has reportedly surpassed this mark, Guinness World Records must now verify her claim and ensure all criteria were met.
Kumzee’s challenge not only underscores the potential within Sierra Leone’s culinary scene but also highlights how communal support can help achieve ambitious goals. It could lead to increased public interest in the culinary arts, a field often overshadowed by sports and music.
Her story also serves as inspiration for others aiming for extraordinary achievements. Aspiring entrepreneurs, artists, and researchers can take cues from her journey, emphasising the importance of identifying talents, setting measurable goals, and preparing thoroughly.
As excitement surrounds Kumzee’s accomplishment, it is crucial to remember that her experience is an opportunity to foster investment in culinary training and entrepreneurship, particularly for young women.
Whether or not the Guinness World Records officially recognises her marathon, Chef Kumzee has marked a significant milestone, leaving a message for others: with skill, preparation, and support, ambitious goals can indeed be reached.
