Pop culture UFO's Vol. 1

Let's start this history from the end when William Onyeabor's career starts to be recognized massively.

So, international recognition started in 2013, a compilation of his work titled "Who Is William Onyeabor?" was released by David Byrne's Luaka Bop record label, sparking renewed interest in his music and earning him an international following. Despite this attention, Onyeabor remained reclusive until he passed away in Enugu on January 16, 2017, but his music continues to inspire and captivate listeners worldwide. His innovative sound and enigmatic persona cemented his place as a pioneer of Nigerian funk and electronic music.

Before, his life was a little impenetrable. Supposedly, coming from the Nigerian high society was born in 1946, and I said supposedly because of his unknown habits, because there's no real proof of that. These are the facts:

1. He studied college abroad.
2. William Onyeabor collected expensive synthesizers and drum machines to create his music by himself.
3. He wasn't interested in following the trends of popular music in Nigeria at the time.
4. It is mentioned that he built a pressing plant and had a studio in place, which suggests that the investment was high and he was serious about creating his music.

On the other hand, He didn't seem to want to be famous and refused to be interviewed.

There are many rumors about his life, including that he studied filmmaking in Russia and that he was a lawyer. Onyeabor became a pastor later in life and stopped making music.

His innovative use of synthesizers and unique blend of genres helped pave the way for future generations of African electronic music artists. Though his life remains somewhat of an enigma, his music speaks volumes, showcasing his creativity, talent, and passion for Nigerian social issues. He released eight albums between 1977 and 1985.

In the sprawling landscape of global music, few figures are as enigmatic and captivating as William Onyeabor. This Nigerian musician, active primarily in the 1970s, crafted a unique sound that blended pulsating rhythms, space-age synthesizers, and lyrics that challenged the political status quo.

Onyeabor's music, often epic in scope and heavily synthesized, was unlike anything else coming out of Nigeria at the time. While his contemporaries were exploring highlife and Afrobeat, Onyeabor was conjuring a sound that was both futuristic and deeply rooted in his cultural experiences. His voice, combined with that of female backing singers, soared over these sonic landscapes, often delivering stark warnings against the horrors of war and the need for changes in that time's society.

As mentioned, despite his relative obscurity during his active years, Onyeabor's music has experienced a remarkable resurgence since the 2010s. His most recognized track, "Better Change Your Mind," a funky, synth-driven anthem with a powerful message of transformation, has become a staple on compilations celebrating African music, psychedelic sounds, and the vibrant music scene of 1970s Lagos. Its inclusion on albums like "Africa 100," "World Psychedelic Classics 3," and "Nigeria 70" introduced Onyeabor's singular sound to a new generation of listeners hungry for something different.

Musicians like Damon Albarn (Gorillaz, Blur) and David Byrne (Talking Heads) have passionately revindicated his talent and work, especially emphasizing his unique methods of production in the studio.

Undoubtedly, his legacy is captivating and one of the strangest musical careers in pop culture history. I love his sound...

What about you? How do you like him?

Would you like to know more about Wiliam Onyeabor? Don't hesitate to ask in the comments section and I will give you some tips ;)

Next volume of this series I will talk about Suicide´s lead vocal, Alan Vega. Get Ready…

Thanks for reading me.