Elusive Nigerian music legend, William Onyeabor, who pioneered a stuttering style of electronic funk during the ’70s and ’80s before retreating from music to focus on his faith and business ventures, has died.
His record label, Luaka Bop, said Onyeabor died in his sleep Monday at his home in Enugu, following a short illness. He was 70.
Beginning in 1977, Onyeabor recorded nine albums featuring heavy bass and slinky synth lines that owed as much to American R&B and disco as it did to the Afrobeat rhythms of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
The albums were pressed, printed and self-released via his personal record processing plant and label, Wilfilms Limited.
The joyous singing style of Onyeabor and his female backups on songs like ‘Why Go To War’ and ‘Atomic Bomb’ often belied lyrics with a political edge.
On 1978’s ‘Better Change Your Mind’ he is defiant: “President, you ever think this world is yours? If you are thinking so … Better change your mind.”
His music wasn’t successful beyond Enugu until his 1985 hit ‘When the Going Is Smooth and Good’, a playful synth jam that resembles a Nigerian Kraftwerk.
His lasting influence was revealed decades later with the release of the 2013 compilation album Who Is William Onyeabor? That was followed by a documentary film and live tributes from artists like David Byrne and Damon Albarn.
Onyeabor never performed live.
In 1985, he left music to run a flour mill and other businesses while stating that he was a born again Christian.
He repeatedly refused interview requests about his music career, and later in life “only wanted to speak about God,” according to the Luaka Bop statement.
Onyeabor’s retreat held fast, while his reluctance to discuss his music career – beyond lamenting that his songs did not sufficiently praise God – enhanced his enigma.
In a rare interview in 2014, he said, “I did study so many things, but they have nothing to do with my natural talent, because you don’t study talent. Talent comes from God.”
Onyeabor is survived by his wife, four children and four grandchildren.
