Cinematography student in Russia? Flour mill businessman? Born-again Christian and denouncer of his own music? Record-manufacturer? Who indeed was William Onyeabor? This 2013 compilation bearing the greatest works of the elusive Nigerian funk musician provides dense rhythm and wild electronic flails as parts to an answer. The lyrics contain scattered thoughts on war, the afterlife, and family heritage with each track suffused by the artist’s inimitable perspective. It is an album for any and every occasion: do try and name a ‘wrong’ time to hear the refrain on ‘Fantastic Man’. Onyeabor’s music is influential; a pillar of African funk and a masterpiece of the lost and found reissue genre.
27/30
A favourite: ‘Good Name’
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