ATOMIC BOMB! The Music of William Onyeabor
ATOMIC BOMB! presents a joyous celebration of Onyeabor’s futuristic grooves and electro explosions as they piece together a musical puzzle that connects the cult musician with the beginnings of synth-pop and new wave. Featuring Gotye, Sinkane, Money Mark, Luke Jenner (The Rapture), Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip), Pat Mahoney (LCD Soundsystem) and the Mahotella Queens.
William Onyeabor
Mystery and intrigue surround Nigerian synth pioneer William Onyeabor, the man responsible for some of the most searing Afro-funk and space-age jams you’re ever likely to hear. Following the eight albums Onyeabor self-released between 1978 and 1985, he became a born-again Christian, refusing to ever speak about himself or his music again. His story has been the stuff of legend and folklore ever since.
But who exactly is this man?
William Onyeabor was born and raised in Nigeria. After school, he studied cinematography in Russia, returning to Nigeria in the 1970s to start his own Wilfilms music label and to set up a recording and production studio. He recorded a number of hit songs in Nigeria during the 70s, the biggest of which was ‘Atomic Bomb’ in 1978. This song as well as a lot of his other pieces settle into a unique slice of stripped down spacey and lo-fi funk which is unlike any other Nigerian music being made at the time. Now, William has been crowned a High Chief in Enugu, Nigeria, where he lives today as a successful businessman working on government contracts and running his own flour mill.
William Onyeabor’s music is brought to life for two exclusive shows by a 18-strong ensemble led by Sinkane, Money Mark, Luke Jenner (The Rapture), Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip) and Pat Mahoney (LCD Soundsystem), with special guests Gotye and the legendary Mahotella Queens. This follows the recent release of Onyeabor’s rare recordings via David Byrne’s Luaka Bop label, with best album nods from Pitchfork, NPR and Time Magazine and highly acclaimed shows in London and New York.
Throwback: William Onyeabor in action
Who: Atomic Bomb by William Onyeabor
(part of Sydney Festival 2015)
When: 16 & 17 January 2015, Enmore Theatre, 8:00pm
Cost: $85
To give you a taste of what is going to expect you…