Davido, the Afrobeats star, on Thursday, showed up at Times Square in New York to support Tunde Onakoya, the Nigerian chess master seeking to set a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest chess marathon.
On Wednesday, Onakoya commenced his attempt to play chess with different people for 58 hours without losing a single game. The chess master is only allowed five-minute breaks every hour during the exercise.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos state, and Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar, former vice-presidents, are among notable Nigerians to have offered Onakoya moral support.
The award-winning singer, who recently sold out the iconic New York’s Madison Square Garden, graced the event to support his compatriot.
Davido also gave out his 30BG chain to the chess master. In a post via X, Onakoya appreciated the singer for showing up for him and the gift.
“30 billion for the children as @davido places his chain around my neck. Thank you very much for stopping by after your successful outing at@TheGarden,” he wrote.
30 billion for the children as @davido places his chain around my neck. 😄
Thank you very much for stopping by after your successful outing at @TheGarden. 🙏🏾AdvertisementKeep streaming. Keep sharing. Keep donating. https://t.co/hCAAlGMBJA#ChessMarathonForChange pic.twitter.com/DGT0V8D1ng
— Tunde Onakoya (@Tunde_OD) April 19, 2024
While announcing the attempt, Onakoya said he hopes to empower illiterate children across Africa through the feat.
He also launched a $1 million fundraiser which he said will be used to “transform the lives of underserved children across Africa”.
As of the time of this report, Onakoya has played chess for over 40 hours.
The longest chess marathon stands at 56 hr 09 min 37 seconds.
Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, two Norwegians, set the record on November 11, 2018.
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