Reality TV star and entrepreneur Natacha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has explained why she decided to carry out her Guinness World Record makeover attempt in Nigeria instead of the United Kingdom.
Speaking at the ongoing Tacha Beauty Festival at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Lagos on Sunday, the former Big Brother Naija housemate said the UK was initially considered for the attempt, but she wanted the project to reflect home.
“The plan was London. We already had plans, we had a brand that wanted to sponsor us – NYX,” she said.
“But I said, London is not that country that will give me the vibe I want. Then I thought, see my people, they are here. It always makes sense to carry your country along. At this point now, I’m putting the Nigerian beauty industry on a freaking global map.”
Tacha said the record attempt, which aims to complete 150 makeovers in 24 hours, had been planned for two years. The event also serves as the highlight of the three-day beauty festival featuring workshops, exhibitions, and performances.
By Saturday morning, reports indicated she had completed over 115 makeovers within 12 hours – surpassing the existing record of 113 makeovers in 24 hours held by Sierra Leone’s Mary Yongai.
Despite a brief power outage, Tacha continued working, assisting participants through makeovers and photo sessions.
The Lagos State Government backed the project, with its special adviser on tourism, Idris Aregbe, describing it as proof that Nigeria’s creativity can compete globally.
“This is more than a record attempt. It is a statement that Nigeria’s creativity and excellence can compete anywhere in the world,” Aregbe said.
Tacha dedicated the effort to her late mother, saying her determination stemmed from a personal drive to uplift Nigeria’s beauty industry.
