Reality TV star and entrepreneur Natasha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has made history by completing 145 makeovers in 24 hours, surpassing the previous Guinness World Record of 113.
The record-breaking feat took place in Lagos, Nigeria, as part of the Tacha Beauty Festival, a three-day celebration of beauty, culture, and creativity.
Tacha, who rose to fame after her appearance on Big Brother Naija: Pepper Dem in 2019, has since built a thriving career as an entrepreneur, influencer, and philanthropist. Her brand, Tacha Beauty, has become synonymous with empowerment and self-expression among young African women.
Speaking during a live chat with influencer Egungun, Tacha explained why she chose Nigeria over the United Kingdom for the attempt.
“London won’t give me the vibes I want,” she said. “We had sponsorship offers from international brands and even planned to do it in London. But it always makes sense to carry your country along.”
Her decision was driven by a desire to spotlight Nigeria’s vibrant beauty industry and showcase the talent and resilience of local creatives. “This is bigger than just breaking a record,” she said. “It’s about showing the world what Nigeria can do.”
The marathon makeover session began on Saturday night at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture & History in Lagos and concluded around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Despite facing a brief power outage, Tacha powered through the challenge with speed and precision, transforming both male and female models across various skin tones and body types.
Each makeover was professionally documented with headshots and runway showcases, forming part of the official evidence submitted to Guinness World Records. The model lineup included influencers and celebrities such as Mitchy, Venita Akpofure, Wanni, and Handi.
The event drew a large crowd of fans, beauty enthusiasts, and fellow celebrities, including Osas Ighodaro, Liquorose, Cross, Chichi, Ike, and chef Hilda Baci – herself a Guinness World Record holder for the longest cooking marathon in 2023.
Speaking after the event, Tacha described the experience as a “triumph for African women and creatives,” dedicating her success to everyone who believes in breaking boundaries through hard work and consistency.
According to the Guinness World Records official website, the previous record for the “most makeovers in 24 hours” was held by Elysian Brows and Beauty in Ireland with 113 makeovers in 2021.
“This record is more than a number,” Tacha told reporters. “It’s proof that Nigerian women can lead global conversations in beauty, fashion, and innovation.”
While official confirmation from Guinness World Records is still pending, the magnitude of her effort and the national response have already cemented the moment as a milestone in Nigeria’s beauty and fashion industry.
Beyond the record, Tacha’s feat is a celebration of Nigeria’s fast-growing beauty and fashion economy, valued at over N1 trillion annually, according to a 2024 report by the African Beauty Industry Council. Her success adds to the wave of African creatives gaining global recognition for their craft, resilience, and cultural pride.
