William Onyearbor - Delicieuse Musique

This year David Byrne's world music label, Luaka Bop, has a lot to celebrate. We speak specifically on their licensing of the Nigerian artist, William Onyeabor. Up until now, Onyeabor's entire discography had remained a mystery. It was only until the label exposed his music and took the story on a cinematic platform did the name William Onyeabor come to light. The documentary entitled 'Fantastic Man' (available free to watch on YouTube) tells the story of a man who, as a pioneer, managed to incorporate the technology available to him, such as powerful synthesizers, with traditional elements of African music, to create an infectious and cutting-edge music style.
The music of our friend is deeply rooted in his native landscape, with an evident early influence of afrobeat (ex. his contemporary, Fela Kuti) and funk. As well, Onyeabor was impacted by European influence, such as with sound synthesizers. His lo-fi style maybe a specific taste, but his visionary approach can be admired by the masses. His discography is specifically pioneered to take on future musical trends.
Once finishing up studies in Russia, Onyeabor founded his own production studio ( Wilfilm Records ) back in Nigeria. It became an outlet for his musical recordings and caught on quickly with the local scene. Songs such as, "Better change your mind " and "Atomic Bomb" withhold powerful lyrics discussing the hardships of the current political situation (Nigeria's fight for independency in 1960).
For many, the issues of Nigeria's everyday battle became a recent discovery to the rest of the world. Now is time to pay tribute to a pioneer who survived through such hardship and used music as an outlet.
What is admired most of the label by both producers and listeners, are their incredible discoveries of music, consistently delivered for the past 40 years. They're responsible for having built bridges between genres and technologies which were never imagined before.
As a little extra we deliver you Daphni's sample of Onyeabor's original "When the going gets smooth and good", with his bombshell "Ye Ye".
Take it easy..