Listen to our final podcast episode of the year!
Bookish: The attempt to break the Guinness World Record for reading out loud
John Obot is one of a recent wave of Nigerians trying to break a Guinness World Record. This year alone, Guinness received over 2000 record applications from Nigeria. That’s nearly four times more than the rest of Africa combined.
John’s feat will require seven health professionals to monitor him around the clock and will test him physically and psychologically. So what exactly is John attempting? The longest marathon for reading out loud. For six days non-stop, to be exact.
“When you're young and you're looking out at the world, it's a huge, big, scary place. But having the opportunity to build a legacy? It's acknowledgment, it's approval. It's being able to say I was there and I did this.” - Mark McKinley, Director of Central Records at Guinness World Records
In September, Radio Workshop youth reporter Mo Isu made his way to John’s hometown of Uyo to capture the record attempt live. What unfolded was a high-stakes drama with unexpected twists and turns. Senior producer Dhashen Moodley and BBC journalist Nduka Orjinmo mentored Mo as he followed the story over three months, supporting him every step of the way.
Listen to Bookish to find out how it all plays out.
Through training and mentorship, we’re using audio to create opportunities for youth dialogue, leadership, and active citizenship in communities across Africa.
Your support makes all of this possible.
With gratitude,
Yumna Martin, Radio Workshop Board Chair
Linda Barnett, US Radio Workshop Friends Chair
Emmanuelle Parr, UK Radio Workshop Friends Chair