Nigerian teen with autism praised by president as he breaks massive art record

A 15-year-old Nigerian boy is using art to spark important conversations in his community.  

Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, who also goes by Kanye, achieved the Guinness World Records title for largest art canvas in November 2024. On 2 April — which is recognized as World Autism Acceptance Day — his art was publicly unveiled, and he was formally presented with a GWR certificate.  

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition impacting social, language and interactive skills. The entire month of April is Autism Awareness Month and is a special way for Kanye to highlight his meaningful artwork.  

Kanye’s world record attempt, in addition to raising awareness, was also a tool to raise funds for The Zeebah Foundation, which is a nonprofit that focuses on providing support to those on the spectrum and their families.  

"Impossibility is a myth" is Kanye's world record attempt campaign aimed at raising autism awareness, acceptance and helping the Zeebah foundation raise funds for an autism resource centre.

There are wide research and intervention gaps for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Nigeria, according to an article published in the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved. 

When his parents learnt that Kanye was on the spectrum at around two or three years old, they wanted him to find an outlet he could use to freely express himself. After trying out multiple extracurricular activities, art and painting seemed to appeal to Kanye the most. 

Soon, Kanye’s abstract art and paintings started getting recognized. At eight years old, he became the youngest recipient of the Flame of Peace award in Austria for spreading peace through his art. In 2019, he had a solo exhibition at the Terra Kulture Art Gallery, also titled “Impossibility is a Myth.” One of his paintings was featured on the cover page of the Art Vancouver Catalogue in 2022 as well.

Kanye's parents said receiving a Guinness World Records title has been a special part of their journey as a family and serves a greater purpose as well.

"This opens a whole new world of possibilities for special needs children and their caregivers," they told us. "In addition to autism awareness, inclusion and neurodiversity, it also gives hope that there are infinite possibilities in every human irrespective of the diagnosis." 

Emad Salehi, the previous record holder for largest art canvas, had a canvas that measured 9,652 m² (103,893 ft² 37 in²). The canvas Kanye painted on was 12,303.87 m² (132,437 ft² 116.85 in²). 

His recent Guinness World Records title garnered national attention. Most notably President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria praised Kanye’s art.  

“You are Brave, Audacious, and Tenacious,” he wrote. “Congratulations on your recognition. Your story has made history, and Nigeria is proud of you, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke.” 

Fola David-Tolaram, who holds the title for largest drawing by an individual, also congratulated Kanye, calling him a “True Champ.” 

Tagbo Okeke, Kanye’s father, said in an interview with The National that it was important to the family to address the attitudes people have toward individuals on the spectrum. 

“In Nigeria, there's still a lot of stigmatisation,” he said. “A lot of parents are ashamed, a lot of children are hidden...we started this awareness campaign to tell parents that no child should be left behind, that they are Fabulous, Autistic and Talented.”