Borlase’s new book expounds the story of a boy whose world was shaken up

Fleeing Boko Haram in Nigeria to find safe haven in the US, some would say is a miracle. The terror Boko Haram has wreaked across African nations is truly horrific. Nine-year-old Tani Adewumi, a Nigerian refugee, turned this miracle into ripples of change in a tale that is as admirable as it is inspirational. Tani moved to New York with his parents and elder brother, and in just a year, he won the 2019 New York State chess championship. He released his autobiographical memoir with New York Times bestselling writer Craig Borlase, and My Name is Tani… and I Believe in Miracles is an endearing and touching account of a boy whose world was shaken up, and how he carved his own niche in the world of chess. There are many miracles Tani writes about in his poignant and innocent voice. The tale is now being made into a film produced by Trevor Noah.

Even as the little chess champion takes on the black and white squares of his chess board with tenacity, the Harper Collins title, and its simplicity is a beacon of hope. With a message that is as direct as its writer,. Tani’s family left Nigeria and sought asylum in the US, and the serious-minded Tani has gone from being a homeless refugee to being celebrated. Today, Tani brandishes that “deep” thinking of chess into life beautifully.

For those who play chess, early on Tani did 54 puzzles in three minutes! For those who don’t, it’s a feat no less! Infact, his next wish is to become the youngest grandmaster and beat Sergey Karjakin’s record at 12 years of age. His narration follows the family from Nigeria to the US, where they lived in a shelter till chess became a game changer. The world through the eyes of a child has a naïveté that reassures, and reaffirms. It also gives newbies an “in” into chess. Those weighed down by the pandemic can take back a message of optimism.

How a wee lad became a champion at eight years of age, and started a foundation – Tanitoluwa Adewumi Foundation to help immigrants in need, the book speaks of his dedication, and talent. Coach Shawn, Tani’s first coach saw potential in a lone and terrified little Nigerian boy. Chess classes were expensive, but he made sure Tani signed up. “Tani has potential. I believe in his deep passion for chess as he fell in love with it. The dedication he puts into learning the facets and his constant drive, he could well accomplish the goal of being the youngest grandmaster in the world!” says Coach Shawn.

A love for donuts that Auntie Maria always had ample of for him and his brother, Tani spent every waking hour playing chess. Living in New York, which was at the epicentre of the and your friends.”

Much as sports is a lesson in life, he adds, “My next move is to keep practicing to be the youngest grandmaster. I have been playing different online tournaments. I played online US vs UK on Chesskid and I will be playing Chesskid Elementary Chess Championship and some others too.”

Before chess became his piece de resistance, Tani wanted to fly a plane… and now he wants to become the youngest pilot ever.

Spending hours on end playing chess, a very solitary thinking endeavour, the young boy has two other solitary hobbies, swimming and reading.

As hard it is to associate Tani’s qualities of respectfulness, persistence, independence, strategising, doing what’s right and fast thinking as attributes of a mere nineyear-old, that is what his parents opine, as they continue to guide him.

Coach Shawn mentored this chess whiz, and believes others can emulate these qualities. “I’ve always taught Tani and all my students that winners never quit, and quitters never win, to keep the mindset of never quitting and fighting to the end.” Tani has emulated this well.

Being a champion catapulted Tani into the limelight, even though he would much rather sit quietly in a corner and perfect his next move. From his attempts, one thing is clear, he is already many steps ahead!