Echoes of Akanimo’s timeless photo art masterpieces, and a chance to save lives
By Editor
THE echoes still ring clear in metallic form long after the show ended in its never-ending impact designed to save precious young lives being ravaged by the dreadful impact of cancer. And from Terra Kulture art gallery, Lagos to Ibadan, the city where young master photographer Akanimo Shayne Ekanem was born and lived before his life was shut by cancer. It was part of the dual-continent, multi-city series of photo exhibition events in honour of Akanimo who left too soon.
According to his parents in a brief for the exhibition, “Our aim is to create awareness for childhood cancer, encourage early hospital visits, demystify cancer in children and, of course, remember and honour Akanimo. Our team is, as usual, putting together a fantastic event and it will be something to remember. Let’s come together to fight childhood cancer. Community matters. Attend the Charity Photo Art Exhibition. Join the fight to save lives with art. Our mission is to provide support to families affected by childhood cancer, including bereavement support and also support increased research for better treatments and cures. We are unique, in that we serve two jurisdictions, in Africa and in the United States. We know the pain points and we seek to help wherever we can.”
It’s a simple yet soulful plea to humanity. Undoubtedly a prodigy, young Akanimo was only 10 years when cancer showed its ugly face and by 12 he’d been snatched from his parents and the world that would have been the better for it with his probing photographic lens. But that was not to be. The show would become a unique showcase of Akanimo’s timeless photo art that celebrates the talent of a child prodigy.
Already, Akanimo was being described as “a prodigy of boundless talent and destined for greatness, a Michelangelo in the making. Vibrant, brilliant, and teeming with life’s promise, he painted, drew, and captured the world through his lens. At just 10 years old, he played melodies that moved hearts, and with every shutter click, he immortalized beauty. But then, on one cruel Christmas Day, the unrelenting grip of cancer stole him away. It waged its wicked war, barring him from high school, stealing him from his sister, and shattering his parents’ world. Akanimo’s vibrant lens fell silent. And the world lost the magic he could have created.
Akanimo’s cityscape photo art titled ‘Or somewhere inbetween’
“Yet Akanimo lives on. His spirit lingers in every photograph he left behind. Through Akanimo Cancer Foundation, his legacy burns bright, saving children from cancer’s clutches, one life at a time. From Nigeria to South Carolina. From Port Harcourt to New York, volunteers carry his banner high, spreading awareness and hope. Join us and become part of this mission. When you purchase just one frame of Akanimo’s art, you give life to children battling cancer. You frame their future with hope, resilience, and care. Every artwork sold provides treatment access to children, from UCH in Ibadan to LUTH in Lagos, from UUTH in Uyo to the National Hospital in Abuja, from UPTH in Port Harcourt to other parts of Nigeria yet to be reached. Your support could stop the cruel hands of cancer, and gift a child a tomorrow filled with dreams. Together, we can fight cancer. Together, we can save lives with the Charity Photo Exhibition of Akanimo’s works. All proceeds will go toward life-saving treatment for children.”
Above was how the Akanimo Charity Photo show was advertised for the Terra Kulture Gallery event on Saturday, December 14, 2024. But although the one-day show has since ended at both the Lagos and Ibadan ends where the 5th year ‘Angelversary’ of Akanimo’s ‘Novelty Football Match and Childhood Cancer Awareness Campaign’ was celebrated, the impact of his admirably young life and what the Akanimo Cancer Foundation (ww.wakanimocancerfoundation.org) aims to do are obvious. Though Akanimo may be gone, several other children around the world and in Nigeria are still battling the same disease in hospitals with some not being attended to at their various homes for lack of money to manage the expensive treatment required. The Akanimo show then presents a huge opportunity for the rest of mankind to rise up to the challenge of giving these young ones a chance to have their lives back with financial support as indicated in the flyer.
The 20 photographic exhibits show a mind far ahead of his time in his budding artistic vision. From photos of city life to nature, the environment and tetehhe abstract, Akanimo’s lens captures a visual feast that fascinates every viewer. Titles of some of Akanimo’s works range from ‘Life is a journey’, ‘With several steps’, ‘As you sail’, ‘Into the abstract’, ‘Take a breather’, ‘Immerse in nature’, ‘It’s beauty’, ‘It’s elegance’, ‘Find your light’, ‘Love’, ‘Remember us’ and We are the light’.
DONATE NOW: Akanimo Cancer Foundation — Zenith Bank: 1229449832 (Naira) – 5074442550 (USD$)
