Meet Hilda Baci, Nigeria’s Jollof Legend

Hilda Baci from Nigeria is a culinary pro with over 10 million views. Her impressive achievements speak volumes about her talent and dedication. She holds a Guinness World Record for the longest individual cooking marathon and emerged as the highly competitive Jolloffaceoff 2021 champion. HildaBaci's skills extend beyond the kitchen, as she is a renowned chef, restaurateur, TV producer, actress, and presenter.

In your opinion, what sets Nigerian Jollof apart from its counterparts, and how do you emphasise those characteristics in your cooking?

The flavours of Nigerian Jollof are remarkably diverse and versatile. The Nigerian Jollof recipe offers such flexibility that it can be adapted into various forms. For instance, we have Coconut Jollof, Asun Jollof, and Smokey Jollof, each tailored to cater to different palates. This is precisely what makes Nigerian Jollof so exceptionally unique!


Could you share a personal experience that exemplifies Nigerians' pride in their Jollof and how it's become a cultural symbol?

My personal experience involves participating in a Jollof rice competition where Nigeria was pitted against Ghana, and Nigerian Jollof emerged victorious (I represented Nigeria as the chef in the competition). Winning that event marked a historic moment for me, exemplifying the depth of pride Nigerians hold for the exquisite taste of our Jollof rice.


What first inspired you to create on TikTok?

Honestly, the initial inspiration behind my TikTok journey was my friend, Ama. She consistently expressed the desire to share videos that we could recreate together. During a dinner date, she took my phone and helped me create the account, leading me to post my first video that day. So, without a doubt, my friend Ama ignited my TikTok adventure.


Have you been surprised by the response to your content?

Yes, I've been pleasantly surprised by the response to my TikTok videos. My first post could be deemed viral, as it garnered millions of views within days, and I was quite taken aback by the outcome. I hadn't anticipated such high engagement from a simple video of me sipping a cocktail, and this excitement has fueled my motivation to share more videos. TikTok acts as a platform for creators aspiring to expand globally, facilitating connections with a diverse audience and enabling the sharing of content on an international scale.


What is your favourite TikTok you have made to date and why?

My second viral video is undoubtedly my favourite content thus far. I was preparing breakfast for my friend, but the voiceover was centered around making breakfast for my future husband. The level of engagement it received was truly astounding!