Given the album art of this latest Luaka Bop release, your first answer might be a used-car salesman or Anchorman extra. And really, you might be right, for we know almost nothing about the man behind this 3xLP compilation. What we do know is that William Onyeabor was a Nigerian funk musician operating out of Nigeria in the 1970s and 80s, releasing quite a few Nigerian hits before becoming a born again Christian and vanishing without a trace. Besides those scant details, we also know that William Onyeabor released some of the best West African music of the 70s and his pioneering electro-funk sound inspired a wide array of musicians and DJs from David Byrne to Damon Albarn. His sound is epitomized by ear-worming synth grooves and lyrics that are often as epic in scale as they are in toe-tappingness. Needless to say, we are stoked to be hosting a premiere party of this groundbreaking compilation tonight at 7PM, a whole week before its release!
On top of giving his new compilation a spin, we will be giving away some limited edition William Onyeabor-published newspapers and other special goodies. That plus pizza and beverages means you have no reason not be here tonight! In the meantime, give a listen to one of our favorite Onyeabor tracks, "When the Going is Smooth and Good" below.
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