William Onyeabor

William Onyeabor was a Nigerian electronic music pioneer, singer, songwriter, and record producer born on March 26, 1946, in Enugu, Nigeria. He was a key figure in the development of Afro-funk and Afro-beat music, releasing eight albums between 1977 and 1985 that blended traditional Nigerian rhythms with synthesizers and socially conscious lyrics. Despite his influential work, Onyeabor remained relatively unknown until the 2010s, when his music experienced a resurgence in popularity, influencing artists like Damon Albarn, Four Tet, and Caribou. His compilation album "Who Is William Onyeabor?" (2013) introduced his music to a new generation, cementing his legacy as a groundbreaking musician before his passing on January 27, 2017.