Pioneer of funk, William Onyeabor, has died age 70

The prestigious funk musician William Onyeabor has passed away at age 70.

It was stated in a post on Onyeabor’s Facebook page, run by record label Luaka Bop, the musician passed away on Monday, January 16 and “died peacefully in his sleep following a brief illness, at his home in Enugu, Nigeria,”

The businessman and visionary, Onyeabor, had composed and self-released 9 albums between 1977 and 1985, which he recorded and pressed at his personal pressing plant in Nigeria. Onyeabor was referred to as “The Chief” by many in his hometown and was highly regarded for the opportunities he created for people in the community. The groundbreaking artist eventually distanced himself from music following his focus shifting to Christianity.

In 2014 a super-group called ‘Atomic Bomb! Band’ was formed by members of Talking Heads, Hot Chip, LCD Soundsystem and more. The band toured the world and dedicated their shows to playing Onyeabor’s music live.

Onyeabor gave an interview in 2014, speaking to BBC radio 6, where he stated, “I only create music that will help the world.”