Owoyemi Qudus is a 400 level student of the University of Ilorin from the Department of Statistics. On Wednesday, January 24, 2023, he attempted a new Guinness World Record for the fastest time to complete a five-skin fade in just 14 minutes, 56 seconds, and 83 milliseconds in the presence of other students of the University at the Students Union Building.
Until confirmation, the record is currently held by Enrico Springfield a South African, who had set the fastest record with 18 minutes 57 seconds in 2022.
In this interview with The Informant247’s Yemi Sodeeq, Qudus, who is also a scholar in his department talked about the inspiration behind this attempt, the anticipation of his confirmation and how is background influenced his zeal to break barriers.
Can we meet you?
Qudus: I am Owoyemi Qudus Adebayo, a professional barber from Lagos State and a 400L student of the department of Statistics, University of Ilorin.
What inspired you to go for the Guinness World Record?
Qudus: The confidence I have in my potential and my passion for barbering. So, yeah, it’s not just about the record. It’s about the journey, the exploration, and the hope that by chasing my own limits, I can show others what they’re capable of too. That’s what really got me fired up about this speedy barbing challenge!
Does your background in any way influence your decision to do this?
Qudus: Background can be a relative term, however in the context I understand. Yes, my background also influenced my decision because I’m from a humble community, a society where we strive for excellence and have to do extraordinary things to achieve our dreams Unlike the privileged ones. So, naturally my background presents little or no opportunities for us which is why we have to carve out our niche.
You are a student and a hair stylist, how do you combine both?
Qudus: I’ve always been a barber before I got admission into the University. During holidays, I go into full time barbering and when it’s school period I do mobile barbering only. Some people call it home service.
At what age did you start learning barbering and where did you learn it ?
Qudus: I started when I was 17-yr-old in Lagos
How do you feel about your attempt? Did you think you could ever think of that?
Qudus: I feel good about the record attempt, I feel fulfilled and I give thanks to God Almighty who made it possible.It didn’t occur to me as a shock, I was prepared and ready for the moment.
How were you able to manage the pressure of meeting up with your target?
Qudus: I’m a determined person, I work under pressure of completing tasks continuously.
As a matter of fact, I wasn’t nervous or tensed about the time, I only did my thing the best way I could and steadily increasing my paces
How did you go about the application process for the GWR attempt?
Qudus: I applied online for their standard application through their official website.
Now that you have made the attempt, when will the confirmation comes up?
Qudus: The confirmation is subject to the approval of the evidence submitted. And we are still compiling the evidences.
We heard you are a scholar in your department, can you tell us about that?
I’m not just a student. I am also the scholar of my department since 200 Level till this moment.
Do you own a barbing shop?
Qudus: No I don’t own a barbering shop. But I partner with available Unisex salons whenever I’m in Lagos
What is the next big thing you would like to do?
Qudus: Watch out for the next big thing, hopefully it’ll be a louder one. For now, let’s enjoy the moment.
What other things would you like to say?
Qudus: Just like my clipper on my clients heads, be sharp, be relentless, and carve your own path to greatness!
Now, excuse me while I turn this mane into a masterpiece. Remember, every haircut is a new beginning, a fresh start.
Peace out!
According to Guinness world record, A skin fade is “defined as a hairstyle that begins with the hair being cut down to the skin at the back of the neck and head, then tapering to longer hair as it works up the head”.