Nigerian reality star and influencer Anita Natacha Akide aka “Symply Tacha” has added two world record titles to her long list of accolades.
The 29-year-old, who you may recognize from shows like MTV’s The Challenge and Big Brother Naija or from her massive online presence, spent a day helping other women feel beautiful to break her records – all while battling a storm and power outages in the process.
She performed the most cosmetic makeovers in 8 hours (individual) – 82 – and then kept going for the rest of the day to complete the most cosmetic makeovers in 24 hours (individual) – a total of 144.
After setting up her make up station in Lagos, Nigeria, on 11 October – with a glass wall so passersby could watch and cheer her on – Anita was swarmed by fans desperate to get a makeover from the star.
“The idea of daring to be different drove me,” Anita told us. “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.”
And Anita certainly achieved that, breaking the previous record, set by Mary Yongai (Sierra Leone) by more than 30 people.
Each of her 144 models had to have foundation, concealer, blush, two eyeshadows, mascara, lip liner and gloss, and finishing powder applied, as well as their eyebrows done.
And Anita gave every model a unique makeover, personalized to suit their facial features.