Nigerian culinary star and internet sensation, Damilola Adeparusi, better known as Chef Dammy, has spoken out to debunk viral claims that she is preparing to cook the world’s largest pot of beans.
The young chef, who rose to national fame during her cook-a-thon attempt in Ekiti back in 2023, clarified the speculation in a video posted on her social media page on Wednesday. According to her, she has no plans to take on such a project despite the online chatter that followed celebrity chef Hilda Baci’s record-breaking feat of preparing the biggest pot of jollof rice.
“I just want to say a big congratulations to Ms. Hilda for her incredible achievement,” Chef Dammy said. “This is a victory for Nigeria and Africa at large. But as for me, I have no intention of cooking beans or doing another challenge. Why would I do that?”
Currently studying on a full scholarship at the Hospitality Business School in Lagos, where she is pursuing a professional culinary diploma, Dammy used the opportunity to thank her supporters. She expressed gratitude to everyone who stood by her, especially those who defended her online during the criticism and cyberbullying that trailed her cook-a-thon.
“I’m thankful to everyone who has supported me, encouraged me, and even helped financially. You’ve been a huge part of my growth,” she said with emotion.
Reflecting on her sudden rise to fame, Dammy previously admitted that the cook-a-thon went far beyond what she ever expected. “Honestly, I didn’t know it would go viral. I didn’t even tell my parents—I just went ahead with it. They only found out after seeing me trending on social media,” she revealed in an earlier interview.
Her latest clarification finally puts to rest the growing rumor about a “beans cook-a-thon,” reaffirming that her focus remains on her studies and professional growth in the culinary world.