Review: 'Atomic Bomb! The Music Of William Onyeabor' At BAM, May 3
You might be wondering, “Who is William Onyeabor?” It’s a fair question and one asked by many, even those familiar with his music. He is a bit of a renaissance man: a musician, filmmaker, entrepreneur and preacher, to name just a few of his talents.
Onyeabor first came to prominence in Nigeria in the '70s when he was putting out some very funky electronic music. As a musician, he was way ahead of his time. The songs that he made back then would fit right in with the electronic music of today. The synthesizers that he used were not at all commonly used and, in fact, would have been very expensive at the time, especially in Nigeria. Not only did he have a very impressive set of music gear, but he also pressed his own vinyl in his own record factory.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoUY_0-w9hQ]
William Onyeabor released at least eight albums in the late '70s and early '80s, but unfortunately they are very hard to track down. In the mid-'80s, Onyeabor became a born-again Christian and left music behind. For years the record label, Luaka Bop had been trying to track down the man, his music and any information about him. Last year the label finally put out the album, Who is William Onyeabor, and it really is an outstanding collection of music.
The music site Noisey, also released a great documentary about William Onyeabor, which I highly encourage you to check out. It is only a half hour or so in length, but it does a really good job of profiling this "fantastic man." The film features interviews with musicians who played with Onyeabor as well as those who have been influenced by him, like Damon Albarn and Femi Kuti.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiaRp0M2fxE]
There are many other artists who hold Onyeabor’s music is high regard and a few of them recently participated in a tribute concert for him. I was thrilled to be able to attend ATOMIC BOMB! The Music of William Onyeabor at BAM earlier this month, on May 3.
The event began with an older gentleman, walking down the aisle towards the stage, wheeling a boom box that played some kind of religious sermon. It was actually a bit confusing at first, but after a few seconds, it made sense.
The line-up of musicians performing at the BAM show was really exceptional. The two main guys in charge of musical arrangements were Money Mark, known for his work with the Beastie Boys, and the Sudanese musician, Sinkane. Money Mark handled the synths with aplomb and Sinkane played keys and sang on several songs as well.
The amazing tribute band also featured LCD Soundsystem drummer Pat Mahoney and the great jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman. Vocals were handled by—and this is unbelievable—Alexis Taylor of Hot Chip, Luke Jenner of The Rapture, Devonté Hynes (aka Blood Orange), Nigerian twins The Lijadu Sisters and The Man, David Byrne!
If that line-up wasn't impressive enough, there was also some local talent on display. Disco rollerskaters (who I think I’ve seen at Central Park partying by Summerstage ) and some teenage break dancers (who I’m pretty sure almost kicked my face in on the A train one time) also took part, enhancing the party vibe of the show.
I was as happy as a kid in candy store. This was most definitely one of my favorite shows of the year. I’m so appreciative to everyone who made this happen and most of all for the music of the fantastic man himself, William Onyeabor. Please do try to listen to his music when you get a chance.
