For 15-year-old painter, Kanyeyachukwu ‘Kanye’ Tagbo-Okeke, a blank canvas was not unused space. It was a world of possibility.
Diagnosed with autism, Kanye had found his voice in art, and his talent made history.
On April 2, 2025, World Autism Awareness Day, Kanye unveiled the world’s largest canvas painting by an individual at Eagles Square, Abuja.
His record-breaking achievement, part of the Zeebah Foundation’s Impossibility Is A Myth project, was not just a testament to his skills but also a powerful statement about inclusion, tolerance, and the need to support neurodivergent individuals.
Kanye’s mother remembered the early days of his journey.
“When we started, we were just looking for a way to make him happy,” she recalled. “Then we realised that when he painted, he became a completely different person.”
His older brother, Ozzy Tagbo-Okeke, had witnessed firsthand the impact Kanye’s journey was having on others. “It sent a really good message to other kids, and even parents of kids who have autism, that their child could do great things and make an impact in their society.”
For years, autism had been misunderstood, often seen as a limitation rather than a different way of experiencing the world. But Kanye’s story challenged that narrative.
His determination and talent broke stereotypes and showed that with the right support, autistic individuals could thrive in ways many never imagined.
Kanye’s Guinness World Record attempt was supported by organisations like the Society of Nigerian Artists, The Zeebah Foundation, a non-profit organization which aims to provide resources for autistic individuals and their families; the federal ministries of education and health, and corporate partners like MTN, which had recently launched an inspirational campaign called Go M.A.D (Go Make A Difference), aimed at inspiring people to make an impact in their communities.
Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, MTN chief marketing officer (CMO), spoke about how Kanye embodied the Go MAD philosophy. “MTN’s mission is to connect people all over the world. Kanye is connecting art lovers, and people all over the world as well. He is a true icon, breaking barriers and proving that nothing is impossible.”
While Kanye’s accomplishment was extraordinary, it also highlighted a larger conversation: the need for greater inclusion and support for individuals with autism. Many children on the spectrum struggled with access to education, creative outlets, and opportunities that nurtured their unique strengths. The Zeebah Foundation, through projects like Impossibility Is A Myth, aimed to change that by advocating for early intervention, specialised resources, and inclusive spaces where neurodivergent individuals could flourish.
Kanye’s Guinness World Record was more than an artistic milestone; it was a movement. It was a reminder that talent knew no boundaries and that with patience, encouragement, and the right environment, everyone can achieve greatness.
