More than 22,000 people gathered in Hyde Park, London, on Friday afternoon to help rapper Pitbull set a new Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people wearing bald caps. The record attempt, which took place ahead of his headline performance at the BST festival, saw 22,141 fans — along with the musician himself — don tight plastic bald caps, white shirts, black ties, and aviator sunglasses, despite temperatures reaching 30C (86F).
The event was both a tribute to the Latin hip hop artist, known for hits such as «Give Me Everything» and «Timber», and a successful bid to secure a place in the Guinness World Records. Pitbull, 45, accepted the award on stage in an all-black suit, expressing his surprise and gratitude. «I'm speechless. Who would have thought a first-generation Cuban would be record-breaking and record-making?» he said.
The record attempt was organised as part of the BST festival, a major summer music event held annually in London's Hyde Park. Fans had been encouraged to participate in the stunt, which required them to wear the bald caps and matching outfits to create a uniform look. The count of 22,141 participants was verified by Guinness World Records officials, surpassing the previous record for the largest gathering of people wearing bald caps.
Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Christian Pérez, was born in Miami to Cuban immigrant parents. He has sold millions of records worldwide and is known for his energetic live performances and entrepreneurial ventures. The record adds to his list of achievements, which include multiple Grammy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The BST festival, which runs over several weekends in the summer, has previously hosted headliners such as Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, and Adele. This year's lineup includes a range of international acts, with Pitbull's performance being one of the most anticipated. The record attempt drew significant attention on social media, with fans sharing photos and videos of the event under the hashtag #PitbullWorldRecord.
Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Glenday said the attempt was «a fantastic example of how music fans can come together to achieve something extraordinary». He added that the record was particularly notable for its scale and the level of participation required. «To have more than 22,000 people all wearing the same outfit and bald caps is no small feat,» he said.
The record attempt also had a charitable element, with proceeds from the sale of the bald caps going to the Pitbull Foundation, a nonprofit organisation that supports education and community development programmes. The foundation has raised millions of dollars since its inception in 2013.
Pitbull's performance at the BST festival later that evening included a setlist of his greatest hits, as well as a tribute to his Latin roots. The crowd, many still wearing their bald caps, sang along to songs such as «Hotel Room Service» and «I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)». The event was widely covered by British media, with many outlets praising the rapper's ability to engage his fans in such a unique way.
The record is the latest in a series of unusual Guinness World Records set at music festivals. Previous records include the largest gathering of people dressed as Elvis Presley and the largest conga line. However, the bald cap record is believed to be the first of its kind, highlighting the creativity and enthusiasm of Pitbull's fanbase.
As the festival continues, organisers have hinted at more record attempts in the future, though no details have been confirmed. For now, Pitbull and his fans can celebrate their place in the record books, a testament to the power of music and community.
