SE4/EP 42:Conversation with Mr. Tagbo Okeke: The parent of Kanyeachukwu Tagbo Okeke the exceptionally talented artist young man who is also living with autism.

I came across the story of Kanyeachukwu through my dear family friend Dodji Gbedemah, the owner of Kente Royal Gallery, whose mission is to feature and connect the strength of Africans in the diaspora through Art. In May, Kente Royal featured Kanyeachukwu Okeke, an exceptionally talented artist 13-year-old Nigerian/Canadian young man living with autism. I could not resist my aspiration to request to interview his parents. The Parents graciously accepted my request to interview them, but the interview could not take place while they were in the U.S. because of many engagements they had in place. I interviewed Mr. Tagho Okeke, the father of Kanyeachukwu Okeke, when they returned to Nigeria.   This recording underwent extensive editing due to difficulties connecting and recording with Nigeria's climate. At one point, the NEPA cut off electricity, which is part of Nigerians' daily life challenges. I am grateful that the family's generator came on then we resumed the interview. During my conversation with Mr. Okeke, Kanyeachukwu stopped by with his younger brother to say hello. Mr. Okeke proudly showed me some of Kanyeachukwu's creative artworks that beautified the family's home.      Kanyeachukwu Tagbo Okeke is a 13-year-old gifted artist whose artwork has been featured in galleries and museums in Nigeria, Europe, and other parts of Africa.  Kanyeachukwu is living with autism, and as he quoted on his website, "I paint my own reality." Every year, Kanyeachukwu hosts a week-long multiple-group art exhibition called F.A.T(Fabulous Autistic Talent) to celebrate World Autism Month. This yearly exhibition aims to promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusivity of the members of our societies who are living with autism.    Apart from hosting these essential yearly events, Kanyeachukwu participates in art exhibitions worldwide. Listed below is the list of shows he has participated in.   New York Art Expo 2021 Vancouver Canada Art Expo in 2022 Exhibition at Moya Museum Vienna Austria in 2018 Exhibition at POP UP Africa Museum in Vienna, Austria, in 2018 OPEC Fund for International Development Headquarters (OFID) Vienna Austria 2018 Autism Society of Pakistan, KAF Autism Centre Abuja exhibition in April 2019 at Transcorp Hilton Abuja. Imo State Governorship Inauguration Exhibition Owerri in 2019. This year, his artistic talent was presented at Kente Royal Gallery, where I met this young man and his parents. The theme of this exhibition was called "Odyssey of a Beautiful Mind. Imagine, Kanyeachukwu is just a 13 year old with so much contribution to the art world and using his talent to speak for others who are also living with autism. The world cannot overlook his unique gift.  During our conversation, we talked about the family background regarding where Kanyeachukwu was born and the family background. We discussed his initial diagnosis, what prompted his diagnosis, where he was diagnosed, and the educational, developmental, and social support he is presently receiving. We further talked about how emotionally tasking for the parents caring and advocating for Kanyeachukwu and how both parents care for their needs in a country such as Nigeria that does not have publicly funded services for a child in need and their parents. We discussed the negative stigma associated with autism or people with special needs and how the parents use their experience with Kanyeachukwu to educate the public about autism. Mr. Okeke also expands on Kanyeachukwu Autism Society (K.A.S), where he donates some of his artwork to charitable causes for children with special needs in Nigeria. Please follow Kanyeachukwu on Instagram @ kanye_tagbo, Facebook @ Kanye Autism Society, donate and support Kanyeachukwu Autism Society (K.A.S) @ kasautism.com and visit his website @ https://kanyeyachukwu.com/ to see or buy some of his masterpiece.