William Onyeabor

A celebration of one of the most compelling figures in the history of African music takes place in March 2020 at London’s Jazz Cafe. ‘The Legend of William Onyeabor’ is an evening of music dedicated to the enigmatic Nigerian composer, led by the Bukky Leo Black Egypt collective.

William Onyeabor self-released eight albums between 1977 and 1985 before abandoning his music career as a born-again Christian. A compilation of his unique, electronic music was released to critical acclaim in the US in 2013, before a documentary film released by Vice Magazine helped to cement his cult status the following year. Later in 2014, members of Blur, Talking Heads and Beastie Boys would perform his songs live as The Atomic Bomb! Band.

Fellow Nigerian musician Bukky Leo is revered in his own right, having performed with the likes of Fela Kuti and Tony Allen in a long and distinguished career as a saxophonist.

‘The Legend of William Onyeabor’ takes place on March 25th, 2020 at the Jazz Cafe in London.