Mystro Artz Targets 150-Hour Guinness World Record for Portrait Drawing

Nigerian visual artist Segun Ajao, popularly known as Mystro Artz, is preparing to attempt a 150-hour portrait-drawing marathon in Ibadan, Oyo State, in a bid to break the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon drawing portraits by an individual.

The ambitious attempt is expected to take place at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, where Ajao is a student. If successful, the 150-hour marathon would surpass the current Guinness World Record of 90 hours, achieved by Nigerian artist Abidemi Praise Omopariola in Sunderland, United Kingdom, in July 2024.

Ajao's planned feat will require him to draw portraits continuously for more than six days, putting his artistic ability, concentration and physical endurance to a significant test.

Passion for Art

Speaking about his journey, Ajao said his passion for visual art began at a young age. He described art as a means of expressing himself creatively and connecting with other people.

For the artist, the record attempt is about more than achieving a Guinness World Records title. He hopes the project will demonstrate what young Nigerian creatives can accomplish through dedication, discipline and perseverance.

Ajao also wants the event to encourage young people in Ibadan and beyond to take art seriously as a form of creative expression and a potential career.

Preparing for the Challenge

Ajao has reportedly been preparing for the marathon by practising extensively and working to build the concentration and stamina required for such a demanding endurance challenge.

A 150-hour drawing marathon will require careful planning, particularly because the attempt must comply with Guinness World Records' rules and evidence requirements. The artist and his team are therefore expected to pay close attention to the organisation of the event and the conditions surrounding the attempt.

Guinness World Records currently recognises Abidemi Praise Omopariola as the record holder for the longest marathon drawing portraits by an individual, with a time of 90 hours. Omopariola achieved the feat in Sunderland on July 5, 2024.

Community Support

The planned event is also expected to attract students, art enthusiasts and members of the public who want to witness the record attempt.

Ajao hopes the gathering will provide an opportunity to showcase the creative process while encouraging greater appreciation for visual arts among young people.

Beyond the record itself, the artist wants the marathon to promote art education and inspire aspiring artists to pursue their creative ambitions despite the challenges they may face.

Aiming for History

If completed successfully and subsequently accepted and verified by Guinness World Records, Ajao's 150-hour marathon would represent a significant improvement on the existing 90-hour record.

His attempt would also add to Nigeria's growing list of achievements in Guinness World Records, particularly in creative and endurance-based categories. Nigerian artists have already achieved international recognition in areas ranging from portrait drawing to large-scale painting.

For Mystro Artz, however, the ultimate goal extends beyond a record certificate.

The artist hopes his attempt will demonstrate the possibilities available to young Nigerians who are willing to develop their talents and push beyond conventional limits.

As preparations continue, attention will focus on whether Ajao can sustain the demanding 150-hour schedule and meet the requirements necessary for the Guinness World Records title.

If successful, the Ibadan-based artist could make his mark in the record books while using his platform to inspire a new generation of Nigerian creatives.