Nigerian reality star and beauty entrepreneur Anita Natacha Akide, famously known as Symply Tacha, has officially joined the ranks of global record holders and she did it with a makeup brush in hand.
The 29-year-old, known for her breakout moment on Big Brother Naija and her fearless personality, broke two Guinness World Records in one day. She set a new mark for the most cosmetic makeovers in eight hours (82) and the most cosmetic makeovers in 24 hours (144) — a feat that took place on October 11, 2025, at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Lagos.
But this wasn’t just about numbers. It was a story of grit, creativity, and an unshakable Nigerian spirit — the kind that thrives even when the lights go out.
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Storms, Power Cuts, and a Never-Ending Drive
While most record attempts are about precision, Tacha’s came with chaos.A sudden nine-hour storm nearly ruined the entire setup, pulling down banners, monitors, and branding. Power outages struck multiple times, leaving her in near darkness. Yet, she refused to stop.
“We turned on our phone flashlights, and I kept working,” she said. “It wasn’t just makeup anymore. It was about proving that nothing could stop us.”
That determination paid off. With each stroke of her brush, Tacha transformed not just faces but moods. Behind a transparent glass wall, fans gathered to watch her power through fatigue and the elements, cheering her name as she brought joy to every model who sat in her chair.
Each of the 144 makeovers met Guinness World Records’ strict requirements: foundation, concealer, blush, two eyeshadows, mascara, lip liner and gloss, finishing powder, and perfectly styled brows. And each look, uniquely designed to match the model’s features, reflected what Tacha calls “the beauty of difference.”
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Beyond Records — A Message for Every African Girl
For Tacha, this achievement was deeply personal. She describes it as a tribute to her late mother, her ever-supportive fans (the Titans), and to “every girl child who has ever dared to start over.”
“Makeup was my safe space growing up,” she said. “Even when my mum didn’t approve, I kept saving to buy new products. That taught me persistence. This record was born from that same courage — the courage to stand out.”
The Guinness World Records team confirmed her success in November 2025, officially listing her as the new world record holder for both categories. Breaking Sierra Leone’s Mary Yongai’s previous record by more than 30 makeovers, Tacha didn’t just make history, she shifted the narrative about African women and creativity.
“This record isn’t just mine,” she said. “It belongs to every creative who has ever been doubted, every person who has been disqualified but refused to give up. I want the world to see that greatness truly has no geography.”
Her triumph has since sparked celebration across social media, with fans, celebrities, and global platforms praising her resilience and artistry. And as she looks ahead to future projects, one thing is clear: Tacha is not just breaking beauty records; she’s redefining them.
At RefinedNG, we celebrate stories like this; stories that prove Africans are built to inspire, create, and win against all odds. We’re your number one stop for all things positive, all things African, and all things inspiring.