Nigerian reality TV star and influencer Anita Natacha Akide, widely known as “Symply Tacha,” has secured two new world record titles, adding to her already impressive list of accomplishments.
The 29-year-old, recognizable from her appearances on shows like MTV’s The Challenge and Big Brother Naija, as well as her significant online following, dedicated a full day to an effort that helped women feel beautiful. She successfully broke the records despite facing challenges from a storm and power outages during the process.
She initially broke the record for the most cosmetic makeovers in 8 hours (individual) with a total of 82. Continuing throughout the day, she went on to complete a total of 144 makeovers, setting a new record for the most cosmetic makeovers in 24 hours (individual).
“The idea of daring to be different drove me,” Akide told Guinness World Records.
She continued, “Makeup has always been my safe space —it’s how I express myself. From childhood, I was fascinated by beauty and colours. I’d play around with mascara, eyeliners, and lip glosses even when my mum, a devoted church worker, didn’t approve. She’d throw my products away, and I’d save up to buy them again. That pattern taught me persistence to keep fighting for what I love.”
“This record was born from that same spirit, resilience, and the courage to stand out. I wanted to show that Nigerian women can achieve anything they put their minds to, that creativity is powerful, and that African women deserve global recognition.”
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Akide successfully surpassed the previous record held by Mary Yongai of Sierra Leone, exceeding it by over 30 individuals.
She set up her makeup station in Lagos, Nigeria, on October 11. To allow onlookers to watch and cheer her on, the station was enclosed by a glass wall. She was quickly surrounded by fans eager to receive a makeover from the celebrity.
For each of the 144 models, Akide applied a full face of makeup, including foundation, concealer, blush, two eyeshadows, mascara, lip liner, gloss, and finishing powder, in addition to styling their eyebrows.
Remarkably, every model received a distinct, personalized makeover tailored to enhance their individual facial features.
She said, “Every participant left feeling confident and beautiful that was very important to me.”
Despite the positive outcome, the process was far from simple.
Akide recounted, “We faced a nine-hour storm that disrupted everything. The rain poured so heavily that our screens, monitors, and branding fell apart. The wind scattered the setup, and we had to rebuild the venue from scratch mid-event.
“On top of that, we experienced multiple power outages during the 24-hour attempt. The lights went off three or four times, but I refused to stop. My team turned on their phone flashlights, and I kept doing makeovers in the dark.
“It wasn’t just about makeup anymore; it was about proving that nothing could stop us.”
The constant support was her driving force. She thanked her makeup artist assistants, the encouraging crowd, and every model who sat in her chair. Each new face served as a source of renewed motivation, reminding her of the fundamental reason she began her work.
She remarked, “I knew so many women and young girls were watching, waiting to see if I could do it, if I could prove that limits are illusions. Every time fatigue set in, I reminded myself that I wasn’t just painting faces; I was painting a story of possibility.”
Upon receiving official confirmation of the record, Akide confessed to feeling “beyond emotional.”
She recalled, “I screamed, cried, hugged my sister and assistants – we were all overwhelmed. It felt like the whole of Nigeria was celebrating with me. Seeing the comments online, the love, the excitement… it felt like every person who had ever believed in me was standing right there.
“It wasn’t just about setting a record—it was about rewriting narratives that African women can lead, create, and inspire at a global level.”
Akide’s fans celebrated her achievement online, sharing in her excitement.
She expressed deep gratitude to everyone who participated in a makeover and to her dedicated team. She specifically acknowledged project manager Seun Oluyemi Anthony, also known as “Otunba,” for his essential role in planning the event and recruiting the women she transformed with makeup.
Looking ahead, Akide is already considering attempting to break another record, hoping her accomplishment motivates others.
She said, “This record isn’t just mine. It belongs to every girl child who has ever dared to start over, every creative who has ever been doubted, every person who has been disqualified but refused to give up, and every dreamer who still believes that greatness can come from anywhere.
“I want my story to remind the world that greatness has no geography, and that Africa’s creative power deserves to be seen, celebrated, and remembered.”
