Bridging funk, disco and afrobeat, Nigerian synthesizer whiz William Onyeabor’s style was wholly unique and revolutionary for the time and place in which he grew up. Bukky Leo’s Black Egypt collective have put together a full show that unequivocally celebrates the life and times of one of music’s true icons.
Mysterious and reclusive to the end, by the time people in the West had started taking notice of his music in the 80s he’d converted to Christianity and distanced himself from the treasure trove of space-funk beats he’d made. Since then, if you mentioned his life in music around him, he would stop the conversation dead.
Naturally, rumours would fill the void: Onyeabor had gone on to run a flour mill; he went to film school in Soviet Russia; he went to study law in London. His legend grew and grew.
After years of work, Luaka Bop finally got permission to publish his work as Who Is William Onyeabor?, with Onyeabor telling the labels Yale Evelev: ‘Yale, you can sell my music, but don’t sell me’.
Since then they’ve re-issued his entire discography, giving his synth-funk new life and carrying his legend on for generations to come.
More Manchester Listings MORE
The George Michael Singers: 2025 Live
The ultimate celebration of George Michael‘s music, brought to you by the singers who performed and recorded with him…
Gabrielle
After selling-out all 32 nights during last year’s ‘30 Years of Dreaming’ tour, Gabrielle now announces an even bigger run of shows…
African Objects: Psychoactives, Spirituality and Mental Health
Portraits of Recovery invites people from Black and African- Caribbean communities to participate in a unique artistic collaboration…
Zakir Khan
Step into the world of laughter, love, and nostalgia with Zakir Khan’s brand-new show, Papa Yaar. Through anecdotes packed…
Highrise Entertainment: Lil.miss.lady
Part rave, part drama – LIL.MISS.LADY (Lady Lykez) explores the history of Grime through the eyes of a…
Black Creative Trailblazers Showcase
A vibrant evening showcasing the finest Black Creatives in the North West through performances, fashion shows, spoken word,…
Stephen K Amos: Now We’re Talking!
How good’s a laugh? My joke book is overflowing, so let’s get talking about what gives me the…
TINA – The Tina Turner Musical
West End mega-hit TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, comes to Palace Theatre, Manchester as part of its…