Nigerian culinary talent, Damilola Adeparusi, popularly known as Chef Dammy, has debunked rumours suggesting that she is planning to cook the world’s largest pot of beans.
The speculation gained momentum online following Guinness World Records’ recognition of celebrity chef Hilda Baci, who recently achieved a new milestone with the largest serving of jollof rice.
Many assumed that Dammy, who once attempted a marathon cooking challenge, might return with a bid of her own. However, she has now clarified her position.
In a video shared on social media on Wednesday, the Ekiti-born chef dismissed the rumours, stating that she has no plans to attempt such a project.
“Some of my classmates are still asking me, ‘Dammy, do you truly want to cook beans?’ Like, no! Why would I do that?” she said.
Instead, Dammy congratulated Hilda Baci on her achievement, describing it as not only a personal triumph but also a win for Nigeria and Africa at large.
“I would like to send a very big congratulations to Ms Hilda for the just-completed project of cooking the biggest pot of jollof rice to feed thousands. Congratulations to Nigeria as a whole too, because this is a win for everybody in Nigeria, to all the African countries,” she added.
Dammy’s statement comes against the backdrop of her own journey in the Nigerian culinary space.
She first gained national attention in June 2023 when she embarked on a cook-a-thon in Ekiti State, attempting to set a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon. Although her effort was not officially recognised, the event made her an internet sensation overnight.
The unexpected fame, however, came at a cost. Dammy later revealed that she had not informed her parents about the cook-a-thon and was shocked when the project went viral. With the sudden spotlight came harsh criticism, intense online trolling, and cyberbullying.
Speaking in a past interview, she admitted that the backlash left her emotionally drained and even extended beyond social media to real-life harassment.
Despite the challenges, the experience opened new doors for her. In 2024, she secured a full scholarship to study for a professional culinary diploma at the Hospitality Business School in Lagos. This marked a major turning point, allowing her to focus on building a solid career foundation in the culinary arts.
In her latest video, Chef Dammy took time to appreciate the individuals and communities who have stood by her since her cook-a-thon days.
“I would just like to say thank you to everybody that has been supporting me, to everybody that has been fighting on my behalf online, to my school mothers, and to everybody that has helped in my growth and promotion, that has been supporting me financially,” she said.
With her denial of the “largest pot of beans” project, Dammy has made it clear that she is not in competition with anyone. Instead, she emphasised that her focus remains on honing her craft, expanding her culinary brand, and inspiring the next generation of Nigerian chefs.
