Achieving a world record is undoubtedly a challenging endeavor. Oluwaseun Kuforiji was driven by his ambition to elevate African fashion to an international stage, which played a key role in his success.
“What other things motivated me? It's trying, wanting to do something extraordinary, something that has never been done before. You know, and also something that will place African fashion, African creativity, on the global stage,” he told Sputnik Africa.
According to the record holder, this achievement opened new doors in his career and inspired young designers across the continent.
Breaking the Guinness World Record would be impossible without proper support, Kuforiji shared with Sputnik Africa.
“They [Kuforiji's team] did an amazing job, even while I wasn’t around, because I landed in Nigeria just three days before the event started. It was my team that made everything happen, so kudos to them... At that moment, my passion had already left me,” he said.
At one point, Oluwaseun’s fingers went numb and he had to start poking himself with needles “just to feel some sensation.” The passion that started it all faded. But with the unwavering support of his team and sheer determination, he pushed through—physically, mentally, emotionally.
Oluwaseun Kuforiji during his world record attempt.
© Sputnik
But beyond the record, Kuforiji’s sewed something even bigger: a global platform for African fashion.
“I posted a picture on my social media page where a white man was wearing one of my crafts—a jacket made with aso oke... I find it really interesting when people outside our race are becoming more interested in our culture, our African fabrics, and incorporating them into what they can call their own,” he concluded.