A Nigerian musician is hoping to inspire others to chase their dreams after playing the trumpet for a record-breaking 25 hours, 30 minutes, and 36 seconds.

Joshua Olusanya, known online as the “Trumpet Influencer,” set the new Guinness World Record on 9 May, earning the title for the longest marathon playing the trumpet. His extraordinary feat was about more than endurance—it was also a mission to bring recognition to musicians, promote music education, and encourage people worldwide to pursue their passions.

Speaking after his achievement, Joshua said:
“Through my achievement, I hope to inspire others with a simple yet powerful message—remember, your dreams are worth fighting for.”

A Lifelong Passion

Joshua, a musician, band director, and music educator, has been playing the trumpet for over 14 years. He says his passion continues to grow, largely because of the trumpet’s expressive versatility.

“What I love most about playing the trumpet is the freedom it gives me to express myself creatively,” he explained. “Its ability to convey emotions across genres makes it the perfect outlet for my creativity.”

As the Trumpet Influencer, Joshua advocates for the recognition of instrumental musicians, who he says often go unsung despite being the heartbeat of music.

Preparing for the Record

Achieving the feat was no easy task. Joshua revealed that his first attempt was disqualified, but instead of giving up, he returned stronger. To prepare, he and his band trained through the night—between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.—three times a week.

He explained that preparation went beyond technical proficiency, requiring mental strength as much as physical endurance. “I cultivated a strong mindset to overcome fatigue and pain,” Joshua said. “Mental toughness and focus were crucial in helping me push through.”

Despite severe lip injuries and overwhelming fatigue during the attempt, Joshua persevered. Like all marathon record attempts, he earned five minutes of rest for every hour played, but managing exhaustion remained a major challenge.

Overcoming Setbacks

Reflecting on his journey, Joshua said resilience was key. “My first attempt, although disqualified, provided invaluable experience. In my second attempt, I was better prepared to handle both the technical and physical demands,” he said.

His determination to try again was motivated by a desire to inspire. “I wanted to demonstrate resilience and dedication, showing that setbacks are not the end but stepping stones to greater achievements.”

Recognition and Gratitude

Joshua described his record-breaking moment as an honor and a chance to put Nigeria on the global stage. He also expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, who gifted him his first trumpet.

“His selfless act sparked a passion within me, driving me to push beyond boundaries and pursue my dreams,” Joshua said.

For Joshua Olusanya, this record is not just a personal victory but a message to dreamers everywhere: with resilience, preparation, and passion, dreams are always worth fighting for.