In continuation of David Byrne’s Luaka Bop record label’s 25th anniversary, the entire catalogue of William Onyeabor will be released on Nov. 18. The two-part box set captures the synth-funk pioneer’s work from 1978 to 1985. The set also includes previously unreleased remixes by Peaking Lights on “Body and Soul” and Man Tear on “Love Me Now.”
William Onyeabor’s musical career began in Enugu, Nigeria in the 1970’s and 80’s with synth-heavy electronic tracks that fathered the futuristic Afro-punk sound. Onyeabor self released his sonic undertakings between 1978 and 1985; only to later become a born-again Christian, refusing ever to speak about himself or his music.
For years Luaka Bop insisted on promoting his music to the world. Onyeabor gave in, releasing the license to his music to the label. From there, Luaka Bop released World Psychedelic Classics 5: Who Is William Onyeabor? In October of 2013 followed by a Record Store Day exclusive What! Who is William Onyeabor, a remix album featuring Hot Chip, Javelin and more.
In addition to the re-release, Luaka Bop is hosting a three day party from Oct. 1–4. Three days of performances will take place in the back seat of a Chrysler LeBaron convertible in the alley in front of Mmuseumm in TriBeCa. the extravaganza will also feature talks and Luaka Bop artifacts recently added to Mmuseum’s permanent collection. The party closes out on Oct. 4 with Onyeabor’s music performed in Central Park as part of the Modern Sky Festival. The night will feature Jamie Lidell, Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip), Money Mark, Peaking Lights, Dead Prez, Pharaoh Sanders and South Africa’s Mahotella Queens performing Atomic Bomb! Who Is William Onyeabor.
The eight-album collection includes both commercially released versions of Crashes In Love and can be purchased as one CD box set with nine discs, or two vinyl box sets with nine LPs and two 7” singles.
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