When you think of Hilda Baci jollof rice, you’re not just thinking about a dish—you’re thinking about a culinary revolution. Hilda Effiong Bassey, better known as Hilda Baci, has become synonymous with Nigerian jollof rice excellence, earning her place in history as a two-time Guinness World Record holder. Her journey from cooking in her mother’s kitchen to preparing the world’s largest pot of Hilda Baci jollof rice is nothing short of inspirational.
In September 2025, Hilda Baci made headlines once again when she cooked the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice ever recorded—a staggering 8,780 kg of perfectly seasoned, aromatic rice that fed thousands and settled the great West African jollof wars in Nigeria’s favor. But who is the woman behind this incredible feat? What drives her passion for Hilda Baci jollof rice, and how did she rise from humble beginnings to become one of Africa’s most celebrated chefs?
Quick Facts About Hilda Baci Jollof Rice Queen
Full Name: Hilda Effiong Bassey
Nickname: Hilda Baci
Date of Birth: September 20, 1996
Age: 29 years old (as of November 2025)
Birthplace: Nsit Ubium, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Nationality: Nigerian
Profession: Celebrity Chef, Restaurateur, Actress, Content Creator, Entrepreneur
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
Weight: 176 pounds (80 kg)
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Hair Color: Black
Net Worth: Estimated between $500,000 – $690,000 (as of 2025)
Marital Status: Engaged
Spouse/Partner: Damilola Akinwunmi (Dapper)
Children: None
Social Media:
- Instagram: @hildabaci (2.9 million followers)
- Instagram Business: @Myfoodbyhilda
- Twitter/X: @hildabacicooks
- YouTube: Hilda Baci (31,000+ subscribers)
- TikTok: @hildabaci
Early Life and Family Background: The Roots of Hilda Baci Jollof Rice Mastery
The story of Hilda Baci jollof rice excellence begins in the humble kitchens of Akwa Ibom State, where Hilda Effiong Bassey was born on September 20, 1996. Growing up in a family where food was love and cooking was an art form, young Hilda was destined for culinary greatness.
Hilda Baci’s mother, Lynda Ndukwe, played the most significant role in her daughter’s journey to becoming a jollof rice sensation. An accomplished chef herself, Lynda owns and operates Calabar Pot, a well-regarded restaurant in Abuja that specializes in authentic Nigerian cuisine. From an early age, Hilda watched her mother transform simple ingredients into magical meals, learning the secrets of perfect seasoning, timing, and that special touch that makes Nigerian jollof rice unforgettable.
Her mother, who is of Igbo heritage, married Effiong Bassey Edem from Akwa Ibom State, creating a beautiful blend of Nigerian cultures in their home. This cultural fusion would later influence Hilda’s cooking style, allowing her to appreciate and incorporate diverse flavors into her signature Hilda Baci jollof rice preparations.
Siblings
Hilda Baci comes from a talented family with three siblings who have each carved their own paths:
- Gilbert Effiong Bassey (also known as Gillian Baci) is her older brother—a gifted musician, pop artist, filmmaker, and writer. Gilbert has been incredibly supportive of his sister’s culinary journey and even composed a song for her, which they turned into a viral dance challenge. He recently opened for Johnny Drille’s concert, showcasing his own rising star power.
- Flavio Baci (also known as Bacci16 on Instagram) is her younger sister
- A younger brother whose name has been kept more private
This close-knit family has remained Hilda’s strongest support system throughout her journey from aspiring cook to the queen of Hilda Baci jollof rice.
Education: Building the Foundation for Culinary Excellence
While many celebrity chefs pursue formal culinary education from the start, Hilda Baci took a different path that would prove invaluable to her entrepreneurial success. She attended Madonna University in Okija, Anambra State, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology.
This unconventional educational background gave Hilda unique insights into human behavior, social dynamics, and cultural trends—skills that would later help her understand what makes people connect with food emotionally. Her sociology degree taught her how to read her audience, understand market demands, and build a brand that resonates with millions.
Culinary Training
After completing her degree, Hilda pursued her true passion by enrolling in a specialized culinary education program. This formal training complemented the informal education she’d received in her mother’s kitchen, teaching her professional techniques, kitchen management, food safety standards, and the business side of the culinary industry.
However, as Hilda herself admits, mastering the perfect Hilda Baci jollof rice recipe didn’t come easily. ‘Growing up, Jollof rice wasn’t the easiest dish for me to master; it always felt like something was missing,’ she revealed. It took years of experimentation, countless pots of rice, and unwavering determination before she developed the legendary technique that would break world records.
Early Interests and Inspirations
From childhood, Hilda displayed a natural curiosity about food and flavors. She would spend hours in the kitchen with her mother, asking questions about every ingredient and technique. Her early inspirations included:
- Her mother’s cooking expertise and ability to run a successful restaurant business
- Nigerian culinary heritage, particularly the rich traditions of both her Igbo and Akwa Ibom roots
- The communal aspect of food in Nigerian culture, where meals bring families and communities together
- The famous Nigerian-Ghanaian jollof rice rivalry, which sparked her competitive spirit and desire to perfect the ultimate Nigerian version
These early experiences shaped not just her cooking skills but her philosophy that Hilda Baci jollof rice represents more than just food, it’s a celebration of identity, culture, and the stories that unite people.
Career Journey
Hilda Baci’s professional journey began modestly but with clear vision and determination. After completing her culinary training, she started cooking for friends and family, sharing her recipes on social media platforms. These early posts showcasing her Hilda Baci cooking skills quickly gained traction, as people were drawn to her authentic approach, infectious personality, and mouthwatering dishes.
She initially established Hilda’s Kitchen, a catering business that allowed her to serve her signature dishes at private events. As demand grew and her reputation spread, she rebranded to My Food by Hilda (@Myfoodbyhilda), positioning herself as the CEO and head chef of her own culinary empire.
During this period, Hilda also worked as the lunch division manager for Breaking King, a breakfast company. This experience taught her the operational aspects of running a food business at scale—lessons that would prove invaluable when she later attempted to cook the world’s largest pot of jollof rice.
Breakthrough Moment: Dine on a Budget
Hilda’s first major breakthrough came when she was selected to host ‘Dine on a Budget,’ a popular cooking show that aired on Pop Central TV. The show’s concept was brilliant: teaching viewers how to create delicious, restaurant-quality meals without breaking the bank.
Her natural charisma, genuine love for food, and ability to simplify complex recipes made her an instant hit. Hilda Baci cooking demonstrations on the show weren’t just educational—they were entertaining, inspiring thousands of Nigerians to get creative in their own kitchens. The show significantly expanded her fan base and established her as a household name in Nigerian culinary circles.
The Jollof Faceoff Victory: Proving Her Worth
In August 2021, Hilda competed in the Jollof Faceoff competition, a prestigious event designed to celebrate the love Nigeria and Ghana have for jollof rice and finally settle who makes it best. The competition was fierce, but Hilda’s perfectly seasoned, aromatic Hilda Baci jollof rice won over the judges and audience, earning her the title of champion.
This victory was more than just a trophy—it was validation of her unique approach to jollof rice and confirmation that she had something special to offer the culinary world.
First Guinness World Record: The Cook-a-Thon That Changed Everything
In March 2023, Hilda announced her intention to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon (cook-a-thon), previously held by Indian chef Lata Tondon at 87 hours and 45 minutes.
On May 11, 2023, at Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos, Hilda began what would become one of the most-watched events in Nigerian social media history. Originally planning to cook for 96 hours, she extended her goal to 100 hours, demonstrating extraordinary endurance, skill, and determination.
Key highlights of the cook-a-thon:
- Cooked continuously for 93 hours and 11 minutes (the officially verified record)
- Prepared over 250 different meals showcasing Nigerian and international cuisines
- Attracted thousands of visitors to the venue, including high-profile personalities
- Generated millions of views on social media platforms worldwide
- Received support from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, and celebrities like Tiwa Savage, Tim Godfrey, and Ice Prince
After careful review of videos and evidence, Guinness World Records officially confirmed on June 13, 2023, that Hilda Baci had broken the record. The achievement sparked a wave of record-breaking attempts across Nigeria, inspiring countless others to pursue their own ambitious goals.
Although Irish chef Alan Fisher later surpassed her record in November 2023 with 119 hours and 57 minutes, Hilda graciously congratulated him, demonstrating the sportsmanship and class that has endeared her to millions.
Second Guinness World Record: The Legendary Hilda Baci Jollof Rice Feat
Just when everyone thought Hilda had reached her peak, she announced an even more ambitious goal: creating the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice ever recorded.
In partnership with Gino Nigeria (GBFoods Nigeria), Hilda embarked on her most spectacular culinary adventure yet. On September 12-13, 2025, at Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, she cooked an unbelievable 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) of Hilda Baci jollof rice in a specially designed pot measuring nearly 20 feet across with a capacity of 22,619 liters.
The Record-Breaking Hilda Baci Jollof Rice Ingredients:
- 4,000 kg of washed basmati rice (constituting at least 80% of total weight as per Guinness rules)
- 164 kg of fresh goat meat
- 220 kg of Gino Asun and Peppered Chicken cubes
- 600 kg of Hilda Baci’s signature jollof pepper mix
- Required 1,200 kg of gas to cook
- Took nine hours of fire, passion, and teamwork
- Produced 16,600 plates of rice served with joy, love, and community spirit
The event attracted over 20,000 on-site guests and millions of online viewers, transforming into a carnival-like celebration of Nigerian culture. Spontaneous chanting of ‘Hilda, we want jollof!’ broke out among the crowd as the tantalizing aroma filled the air.
During the weighing process, drama struck when the massive pot collapsed under a crane. Fortunately, the precious Hilda Baci jollof rice survived intact, and the team successfully completed the verification process.
As per Guinness regulations, no food could be wasted, so all 8,780 kg was distributed among attendees, ensuring everyone got to taste the record-breaking dish.
Hilda later revealed how she perfected her Hilda Baci jollof rice recipe: ‘Over time, I realized that Nigerian Jollof is more than just rice—it’s an experience. What we now call the record-breaking combo of Gino Party Jollof, Gino Asun, and pepper chicken pastes are staples of our culinary culture and combining them was my way of creating a flavor that truly represents who we are.’
The iconic pot used for this achievement has become a symbol of Nigerian culinary excellence. Hilda confirmed it will never be sold or auctioned but will instead be restored and displayed publicly, possibly in a museum, so future generations can be inspired by this historic feat.
Notable Works and Projects
Beyond her record-breaking achievements, Hilda has built an impressive portfolio:
Culinary Ventures:
- My Food by Hilda restaurant in Lekki, Lagos
- Hilda Baci Academy, where she teaches aspiring chefs her recipes and business strategies
- Regular catering services for high-profile events across Nigeria
- Menu development and culinary consulting
Media Appearances:
- Hosted ‘Dine on a Budget’ on Pop Central TV
- Regular appearances on Nigerian television programs
- Featured in international media covering her Guinness World Records
- Extensive coverage in publications like Smithsonian Magazine, Punch, Premium Times, and more
Acting Career:
- ‘Dreamchaser’ (2020) – played character Rihanna
- ‘A Walk on Water’ (2021) – portrayed Annie
- ‘Mr & Mrs Robert’ (2023) – played Hilda
Content Creation:
- YouTube channel with 31,000+ subscribers sharing recipes and lifestyle content
- Instagram content creator with 2.9 million followers
- TikTok videos showcasing Hilda Baci cooking techniques and behind-the-scenes moments
- Regular recipe tutorials and cooking tips
Awards and Recognitions
Major Awards:
- Two-time Guinness World Record holder (longest cooking marathon and largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice)
- Jollof Faceoff Champion (2021)
- Nominee for ‘Young Person of the Year’ at The Future Awards Africa (2023)
Brand Partnerships and Endorsements:
- Gino Nigeria (GBFoods) – Major partnership for world record jollof rice
- ViVa Detergent – First major endorsement deal (June 2023)
- Arla Foods (Dano Milk) – Sponsorship during cook-a-thon
- Uber – Provided discounts to attendees during cook-a-thon
- Various other product promotions on Instagram
Current Projects
As of late 2025, Hilda continues to expand her culinary empire:
- Running Hilda Baci Academy with the ‘Home to Pro’ training program, teaching both cooking skills and food business strategies
- Developing new recipes and menu items for My Food by Hilda
- Creating engaging content across social media platforms featuring Hilda Baci cooking demonstrations
- Planning future culinary events and potential record attempts
- Building her brand collaborations and endorsement portfolio
- Mentoring young chefs and entrepreneurs through workshops and online courses
Personal Life: The Woman Behind the Hilda Baci Jollof Rice Legend
Relationships and Dating History
For years, Hilda Baci kept her romantic life intensely private, focusing public attention on her culinary achievements. However, in 2023, she began giving fans glimpses of her relationship with Damilola Akinwunmi, professionally known as Dapper or Dapper Dam.
Hilda Baci boyfriend Dapper is an international talent manager and music executive who has been supportive of her career from behind the scenes. According to sources, the couple had been together since before her viral cook-a-thon in May 2023, maintaining a low profile while building their relationship on a solid foundation.
The relationship became more public in July 2023 when videos surfaced of the couple dancing romantically together at a club. Internet sleuths quickly identified Dapper through his distinctive bracelet, and soon Hilda Baci photos with her mystery man were trending across social media.
What fans love most about their relationship is the genuine support and respect they show each other. Dapper has been present at many of Hilda’s major events, including her record-breaking jollof rice cook-off and her milestone 30th birthday celebration.
Marriage Details and Engagement
The question ‘Is Hilda Baci married?’ or ‘Who is Hilda Baci husband?’ has been on many lips, especially after eagle-eyed fans noticed something special during her 30th birthday celebration in September 2025.
At her lavish birthday party, just days after breaking her second Guinness World Record, Hilda Baci photos revealed her wearing a stunning engagement ring while posing lovingly with Dapper. The couple looked radiant together, sparking widespread speculation about their engagement.
According to reports circulating on social media and entertainment blogs, Hilda and Dapper have been engaged for some time, with plans to marry in 2026. While neither has officially confirmed a wedding date, the engagement ring was clearly visible in multiple photographs from the celebration, and the couple’s body language suggested they are deeply committed to each other.
Currently, Hilda Baci husband is technically not accurate as she is engaged but not yet married to Dapper. However, fans are eagerly anticipating the wedding, which is expected to be one of the most talked-about celebrity events in Nigerian entertainment.
Children
As of November 2025, Hilda Baci does not have any children. At 29 years old, she appears focused on building her culinary empire, managing her businesses, and enjoying her engagement to Dapper. Given her recent engagement, fans are speculating whether children might be in the couple’s future plans after marriage.
Hobbies and Interests Outside Work
While cooking is clearly her passion, Hilda maintains a well-rounded lifestyle:
Personal Interests:
- Fashion and style – evident in her stunning birthday looks designed by Veekee James
- Travel – exploring different cultures and cuisines for inspiration
- Fitness and wellness – maintaining her health for the demanding nature of her work
- Faith and spirituality – regularly expresses gratitude to God for her achievements
- Photography – her social media features beautifully styled Hilda Baci photos of both food and lifestyle
- Music and entertainment – supporting her brother’s music career and attending cultural events
- Mentorship – spending time teaching and inspiring young chefs
Social Activities:
- Attending industry events and award shows
- Hosting cooking classes and workshops
- Participating in charitable initiatives and community feeding programs
- Creating content with fellow Nigerian celebrities and influencers
Net Worth and Lifestyle: The Financial Success Behind Hilda Baci Jollof Rice Empire
Estimated Net Worth
Hilda Baci net worth has been a subject of much speculation, with various sources providing different estimates. As of 2025, most credible sources estimate her net worth between $500,000 and $690,000.
However, one outlier source claimed her net worth exceeds $10 million with properties in Los Angeles and Miami, along with luxury cars like Lamborghinis and Ferraris. These claims appear to be inaccurate and likely confuse her with another personality, as Hilda is based in Nigeria and there’s no evidence of such international properties.
The more conservative estimates of $500,000-$690,000 align better with her known income streams and lifestyle, representing significant success for a 29-year-old Nigerian entrepreneur.
Income Sources
Hilda Baci net worth comes from multiple revenue streams:
Primary Income Sources:
- My Food by Hilda restaurant – Her flagship business in Lekki, Lagos
- Hilda Baci Academy – Teaching fees from cooking classes and business training programs
- Television hosting – Income from past and potential future TV shows
- Brand endorsements – Partnerships with Gino Nigeria, ViVa Detergent, Arla Foods, Uber, and others
- Content creation – Revenue from YouTube, Instagram sponsored posts, and TikTok
- Event catering – High-profile catering contracts for corporate and private events
- Acting roles – Income from film appearances
- Public speaking – Fees for motivational speaking engagements and culinary seminars
- Product promotions – Sponsored posts on her 2.9 million-follower Instagram account
The record-breaking Hilda Baci jollof rice event, sponsored by Gino Nigeria, undoubtedly came with substantial compensation and has opened doors for even more lucrative partnerships.
Houses, Cars, and Luxury Items
Properties:
- Owns a comfortable home in Lagos, Nigeria (specific location kept private for security)
- No confirmed international properties despite some misleading reports
Vehicles:
Hilda has been associated with several impressive vehicles reflecting her success:
- Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon – A black luxury SUV she’s been photographed with
- 2024 Range Rover – Acquired in January 2025, valued at over 300 million Naira. Shortly after purchase, a commercial bus (Danfo) driver hit the vehicle in Lekki, but Hilda handled the situation with grace and maturity
- Previous vehicles – Details of her earlier cars remain private
Luxury Items and Lifestyle:
- Designer clothing and accessories, evident in her Hilda Baci photos at events
- Custom jewelry, including her engagement ring
- Professional photography and videography equipment for content creation
- High-end kitchen equipment for her restaurant and personal use
- The iconic 22,619-liter pot used for her record-breaking Hilda Baci jollof rice, which she plans to preserve rather than sell
Philanthropic Gestures:
Demonstrating her generous spirit:
- Gifted a brand-new 2017 Hyundai car to Chef Essy Tamara, winner of her Christmas Cooking Class in December 2023
- Provided substantial cash prizes and valuable items to other participants in her competitions
- After her 30th birthday in September 2025, announced plans to give away many of the gifts, cakes, and flowers she received to fans who expressed need on social media
- Regular community feeding programs and support for aspiring chefs
Social Media Presence: Connecting with Millions Through Hilda Baci Jollof Rice Content
Instagram – The Primary Platform
Handle: @hildabaci
Followers: 2.9 million
Business Page: @Myfoodbyhilda
Hilda’s Instagram is a feast for the eyes and soul. Her feed features:
- Hilda Baci photos showcasing her signature dishes, with jollof rice taking center stage
- Behind-the-scenes content from Hilda Baci cooking sessions and restaurant operations
- Lifestyle content including fashion, travel, and personal moments
- Professional food photography that makes followers crave every dish
- Inspirational quotes and messages about faith, determination, and success
- Updates on Hilda Baci Academy classes and enrollment opportunities
- Sponsored content with brand partners, seamlessly integrated into her authentic content
- Engagement with fans through comments, Q&A sessions, and giveaways
Her Instagram Stories provide more candid, day-to-day glimpses of her life, from cooking experiments to moments with Dapper and family.
Twitter / X Profile
Handle: @hildabacicooks
On Twitter/X, Hilda maintains an active presence sharing:
- Quick cooking tips and tricks
- Announcements about events, classes, and partnerships
- Responses to the ongoing Nigerian-Ghanaian jollof debate
- Retweets of fan content and media coverage
- Motivational messages for aspiring entrepreneurs
- Real-time updates during major events like her record attempts
Her Twitter engagement shows her witty personality and ability to connect with fans on a more conversational level.
YouTube Channel
Channel Name: Hilda Baci
Subscribers: 31,000+
Created: August 14, 2015
Hilda’s YouTube channel serves as her educational hub, featuring:
- Detailed Hilda Baci cooking tutorials with step-by-step instructions
- Her famous Hilda Baci jollof rice recipe and variations
- Cooking vlogs documenting her culinary adventures
- Behind-the-scenes footage from TV appearances and events
- Business tips for aspiring food entrepreneurs
- Collaborations with other Nigerian content creators and chefs
- Highlights from Hilda Baci Academy classes
While her subscriber count is smaller than her Instagram following, her YouTube content provides valuable, long-form education for serious food enthusiasts and aspiring chefs.
TikTok Presence
Handle: @hildabaci
TikTok represents Hilda’s most dynamic and viral content platform:
- Short, engaging Hilda Baci cooking demonstrations
- Quick recipe hacks and time-saving techniques
- Fun, personality-driven content showing her authentic self
- Dance challenges and trends, often featuring her Hilda Baci jollof rice prep
- Collaborations with other TikTok creators
- Viral moments from her record-breaking attempts
- Educational content about Nigerian cuisine presented in entertaining formats
Her TikTok videos regularly receive hundreds of thousands of views, with some viral posts reaching millions, introducing Hilda Baci jollof rice to younger audiences worldwide.
How She Interacts with Fans Online
What sets Hilda apart is her genuine engagement with her audience:
Engagement Strategies:
- Regular Q&A sessions where she answers cooking questions and provides advice
- Giveaways and contests, including her recent decision to share birthday gifts with fans
- Responds to comments personally, especially from aspiring chefs seeking guidance
- Reposts fan content, including recreations of her Hilda Baci jollof rice recipe
- Shares testimonials from Hilda Baci Academy students
- Live cooking sessions where followers can watch and interact in real-time
- Creates content based on fan requests, addressing popular questions and recipe demands
- Maintains authenticity, sharing both successes and challenges in her journey
Her social media philosophy centers on building a community rather than just accumulating followers. She views her platforms as educational tools and sources of inspiration, not just promotional channels.
Controversies and Public Image
Major Controversies and Rumors
Despite her massive success, Hilda Baci has maintained a remarkably clean public image. The few controversies that have emerged have been relatively minor:
Age Speculation (September 2024): Some discussions arose on social media questioning the accuracy of her stated age when she celebrated her 29th birthday. These speculations were based on conflicting information found online (some sources stating she was born in 1995, others in 1996), but there was no concrete evidence of misrepresentation. The confusion appears to stem from different sources rather than any deliberate deception on Hilda’s part. Her 30th birthday celebration in September 2025 put most of these questions to rest.
Relationship Privacy: Early in her fame, some fans criticized her for being too secretive about her personal life, particularly regarding her Hilda Baci boyfriend Dapper. However, this was more about fan curiosity than actual controversy. Hilda has the right to privacy, and she’s gradually become more open about her relationship on her own terms.
Cook-a-thon Rest Breaks: During her initial Guinness World Record attempt, some online commentators questioned whether her rest breaks adhered to the official rules. However, Guinness World Records thoroughly reviewed all evidence and officially confirmed her record, validating that all rules were followed correctly.
Recipe Attribution: With the viral success of Hilda Baci jollof rice recipes shared online, some discussions emerged about recipe origins and whether certain techniques were original to her or adapted from traditional methods. Hilda has been clear that her recipes build upon Nigerian culinary traditions while incorporating her unique twists, particularly her signature pepper mix and use of Gino products.
Social Media Unfollowing: In 2025, it was noted that Hilda Baci and actress Ama Reginald (also known as Ama Burland) unfollowed each other on Instagram, sparking speculation about a falling out. Neither party publicly addressed the situation, and it remains unclear whether this represented a genuine conflict or simply a mutual decision to maintain different social circles.
Public Statements and Responses
When addressing challenges or criticism, Hilda consistently demonstrates maturity and grace:
On Losing Her First Guinness Record: When Irish chef Alan Fisher broke her cooking marathon record in November 2023, Hilda could have been bitter or dismissive. Instead, she publicly congratulated him, saying she was ‘proud of his achievement.’ This sportsmanship earned her even more respect and showed her character extends beyond culinary skill.
On Nigerian Jollof Supremacy: While passionate about Nigerian cuisine, Hilda approaches the jollof wars with humor and respect for other West African variations. At her record-breaking Hilda Baci jollof rice event, she emphasized celebration of Nigerian culture rather than denigration of Ghanaian cooking.
On Her Success: Hilda consistently attributes her achievements to God, hard work, and the support of her family, team, and fans. She frequently posts messages emphasizing that success comes from persistence, learning from failures, and staying true to one’s passion.
On Criticism: Rather than engaging in online arguments, Hilda typically responds to criticism (when she addresses it at all) with grace, focusing on her work and letting her achievements speak for themselves.
Media Coverage
Positive Coverage:
Hilda has received overwhelmingly positive media attention:
- International recognition from outlets like Smithsonian Magazine, which covered her record-breaking Hilda Baci jollof rice achievement
- National pride reflected in Nigerian media outlets like Punch, Premium Times, Legit.ng, and BellaNaija celebrating her as a cultural ambassador
- Guinness World Records official coverage featuring her twice on their website and social media
- Feature stories exploring her journey from humble beginnings to international recognition
- Business and entrepreneurship profiles highlighting her as a role model for young African entrepreneurs
- Fashion and lifestyle coverage of her stunning looks at events, particularly her 30th birthday celebration
Balanced Reporting:
Most media coverage has been factual and supportive, focusing on:
- Her culinary achievements and technique
- The cultural significance of her Hilda Baci jollof rice record
- Her business acumen and entrepreneurial success
- Her role in promoting Nigerian cuisine globally
- Her inspirational story and work ethic
Fun Facts About Hilda Baci Jollof Rice
The Journey to Perfection: Despite becoming synonymous with perfect Hilda Baci jollof rice, she struggled to master the dish in her youth, admitting ‘it always felt like something was missing’ until she developed her signature technique.
Record-Breaking Pot Status: The massive pot used for her 8,780 kg jollof rice feat will never be sold or auctioned. Hilda plans to restore and display it publicly, possibly in a museum, as an inspirational symbol for future generations.
Musical Family: Her brother Gilbert Baci is a talented musician who composed a song for her that became a viral dance challenge, showing the creative talents run in the family.
Sociologist Chef: Unlike many celebrity chefs, Hilda holds a degree in Sociology from Madonna University, which she credits for helping her understand human behavior and market dynamics in building her brand.
The Pot Collapse Drama: During the weighing process of her record-breaking Hilda Baci jollof rice, the massive pot collapsed under a crane, creating a heart-stopping moment. Fortunately, the precious rice survived intact and was successfully verified.
Birthday Generosity: After her lavish 30th birthday celebration in September 2025, Hilda announced she would give away many of her gifts, cakes, and flowers to fans who expressed need on social media, demonstrating her generous heart.
Car Gift Giver: She gifted a brand-new 2017 Hyundai car to Chef Essy Tamara, winner of her Christmas Cooking Class competition in December 2023, showing her commitment to supporting aspiring chefs.
Virgoan Perfectionist: Born on September 20, 1996, Hilda is a true Virgo, which explains her attention to detail, perfectionism in cooking, and methodical approach to breaking world records.
Nine Hours of Fire: It took exactly nine hours of continuous cooking to prepare the 8,780 kg of Hilda Baci jollof rice, requiring 1,200 kg of gas and unwavering focus from her entire team.
Viral Chanting: During her jollof rice record attempt, the crowd spontaneously began chanting ‘Hilda, we want jollof!’ as the tantalizing aroma filled Eko Hotel and Suites, creating an unforgettable carnival atmosphere.
Zero Waste Policy: As per Guinness World Records regulations, none of the 8,780 kg of Hilda Baci jollof rice could be wasted. All 16,600 plates were distributed to the 20,000+ attendees, ensuring everyone experienced the historic dish.
Multi-Talented Star: Beyond cooking, Hilda has appeared in three Nollywood films: ‘Dreamchaser’ (2020), ‘A Walk on Water’ (2021), and ‘Mr & Mrs Robert’ (2023), showcasing her versatility.
The Signature Combo: Her secret to perfect Hilda Baci jollof rice includes a signature combination of Gino Party Jollof, Gino Asun, and pepper chicken pastes, which she describes as ‘a flavor that truly represents who we are as Nigerians.’
Early Social Media Presence: Hilda created her YouTube channel way back in August 2015, showing she was building her digital presence long before her viral fame.
Akwa Ibom-Igbo Heritage: Her unique cultural background combining her father’s Akwa Ibom roots and her mother’s Igbo heritage gives her cooking a rich, diverse perspective that enhances her Hilda Baci jollof rice and other dishes.
Restaurant Owner’s Daughter: Growing up as the daughter of Lynda Ndukwe, who owns the successful Calabar Pot restaurant in Abuja, Hilda learned the business side of food from an early age.
93 Hours vs 100 Hours: While Hilda cooked for 100 hours during her cook-a-thon, Guinness World Records officially verified 93 hours and 11 minutes, as seven hours were deducted due to a mistaken early start to one of her rest breaks.
Height Advantage: At 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), Hilda is taller than the average Nigerian woman, giving her a commanding presence both in the kitchen and on screen.
From 31,000 to Millions: Her YouTube channel has a modest 31,000 subscribers, but her Instagram boasts 2.9 million followers, showing how different platforms serve different purposes in her content strategy.
The Dapper Connection: Her fiancé Dapper is an international talent manager, meaning the couple represents a power duo in Nigerian entertainment and culinary circles.
Award Recognition Beyond Food: Hilda was nominated for ‘Young Person of the Year’ at The Future Awards Africa in 2023, recognizing her impact extends beyond just cooking.
Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of Hilda Baci Jollof Rice
From the kitchens of Akwa Ibom to the world stage, Hilda Effiong Bassey has transformed herself from an aspiring cook into a global culinary icon. Her journey epitomizes the power of passion, persistence, and cultural pride. The story of Hilda Baci jollof rice is not just about breaking records—it’s about honoring heritage, inspiring generations, and proving that Nigerian excellence deserves worldwide recognition.
At just 29 years old (turning 30 in 2025), with a Hilda Baci net worth estimated between $500,000 and $690,000, two Guinness World Records, a thriving restaurant business, and millions of devoted followers, Hilda has already achieved what many only dream of. Yet those who know her story understand this is just the beginning.
From her mother’s kitchen to the Guinness World Records book—twice—Hilda Baci has cooked up a legacy that will nourish Nigerian pride for generations to come. The queen of Hilda Baci jollof rice has earned her crown, and she wears it with grace, humility, and that signature smile that says, ‘I’m just getting started.’
