Meet the 15-year-old Nigerian boy with autism who broke the world’s largest art canvas record

The 15-year-old Nigerian accomplished this in November 2024, however, he received a formal GWR certificate and his artwork was publicly displayed on April 2, which is designated as World Autism Acceptance Day.

Kanye broke Emad Salehi’s record of 9,652 m² (103,893 ft² 37 in²) for the largest art canvas. The canvas Kanye painted on was 12,303.87 m² (132,437 ft² 116.85 in²).

Kanye started his world record attempt, which he dubbed “Impossibility is a myth,” to raise awareness and serve as a means of raising money for The Zeebah Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports people on the spectrum and their families, according to the Guinness World Record.

Autism is a neurological condition that affects social, language, and interaction skills. In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Kanye used the full month of April to showcase his compelling artwork.

When Kanye was two or three years old, his parents found out he was on the spectrum and wanted him to have a way to express himself. After experimenting with a variety of extracurricular pursuits, Kanye seemed to be particularly drawn to painting and art.

Kanye soon gained recognition for his abstract art and paintings. He received Austria’s Flame of Peace award at the age of eight for using his art to promote peace, becoming the youngest winner. In 2019, he held a solo exhibition at the Terra Kulture Art Gallery titled “Impossibility is a Myth.” In 2022, one of his paintings also appeared on the Art Vancouver Catalogue’s cover page.

A Guinness World Records title, according to Kanye’s parents, has been a unique aspect of their family’s journey and has a greater meaning.

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

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu applauded Kanye’s artwork after his recent GWR title attracted widespread attention.

“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 has the record for the largest drawing by an individual, also hailed Kanye, calling him a “true champ.”

Kanye’s father, Tagbo Okeke, told The National that the family felt it was necessary to address people’s perceptions about persons on the autism spectrum.

“In Nigeria, there’s still a lot of stigmatization,” 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.”