Nigerian Funk Music Icon, William Onyeabor has died, aged 70

Chidi Samuel

Nigerian funk music pioneer William Onyabor, widely known as ”Willy Onyeabor” has died at the age of 70, the news of his date was broken on his facebook page.

Obi, according to the post died after a brief illness in his home at Enugu, South East Nigeria.

The post on his Facebook page written by the Luaka Bop Music says –

” An extraordinary artist, businessman and visionary, Mr Onyeabor composed and self-released nine brilliant albums of groundbreaking electronic-funk from 1977-1985, which he recorded, pressed and printed at Wilfilms Limited- his personal pressing plant in South East Nigeria.

” With the release of ‘who is William Onyeabor?’ in 2013, his music and story took the world by storm. the release was featured in major newspapers, radio and television all round the world. Time Magazine listed him as number 4 on the shortlist of that years albums.

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” In 2014, the film documentary ‘ Fantastic Man’ followed, as well as the ‘Atomic Bomb! Who is William Onyeabor?’ live shows, which travelled to the most regarded festivals and music venues Worlwide-  starring over 50 special guests from many diverse generations, genres and backgrounds.

The Willy Onyeabor  will always be remembered for the iconic number When the going is good.., which was a hit song in the 80’s.