Cult Nigerian electronic music artist William Onyeabor has died at his home in Enugu, Nigeria, aged 70.
Onyeabor’s musical career peaked between 1977 and 1985, during which time he released nine full-length albums of electronic funk. One of the most remarkable aspects of his recording career was that he pressed and printed his own records atWilfilms Limited, his personal pressing plant in south-eastern Nigeria.
The cult around Onyeabor’s music grew momentum in 2013, when Luaka Bop released the compilationWho Is William Onyeabor?. That release was followed by the documentaryFantastic Man.
A series of tribute shows called Atomic Bomb! were arranged around the world, including at Sydney Festival 2015, where the likes of Gotye, Sinkane and Money Mark celebrated Onyeabor’s catalogue.
Onyeabor is survived by his wife, children, and four grandchildren.
