By Tata Mbunwe
Buea-based barber Ola Clovis Abang, popularly known as Clocutz, has secured Guinness World Records approval to attempt breaking the record for the Longest Professional Hairdressing Marathon.
The popular barber, known for his surgical haircuts, announced the development on Tuesday, September 22, stating that the record will be attempted this November.
He plans to shave continuously for 120 hours, aiming to break the current record held by Joshua Babatunde Aiyenuro of Nigeria, who shaved for 72 hours on January 29, in his native Nasarawa State.
The GWR approval is a milestone for the young stylist, who has gained acclaim for his flawless barbing and uses social media to promote his work. But behind his professionalism is a story of one who never let life’s circumstances hold him down.
Clocutz grew up in humble circumstances in Numba, a village in Upper Bayang Subdivision, fixed along the boundary between the North West and South West regions of Cameroon.
He recalls venturing into barbing as a survival resort after dropping out of university and forfeiting his dream of becoming a computer engineer.
After struggling through menial jobs, including working daily as a general labourer at construction sites, he finally decided to learn a skill. Barbing, which he had least thought of, became his path.
He enrolled for a free training initiated by popular barber and humanitarian Walters Ekie Ngale in 2021 and quickly learned the skill.
His professionalism at barbing has enabled him to work with celebrities such as renowned Nigerian actor Alexx Ekubo (who unfortunately died earlier this year) and Cameroonian stars like Salatiel and Kang Quintus.
Inspired by Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci’s Guinness World Record attempt in 2024, Clocutz resolved to showcase his skill to the world.
He applied for a GWR approval to set a record but was repeatedly turned down. He never gave up. After successive failed applications, he finally received approval in March 2026.
As he prepares for the venture, he has appealed to fans and well-wishers to lend him support for what he says will not only popularize him, but put Cameroon on the global spotlight.