Luaka Bop Vinyl & CDs

Review: Just in time for Christmas comes this deluxe celebration of the career of Nigerian mystery man William Onyeabor. Intetest in the born-again Christian's output has been high since the release of last year's superb Who Is William Onyearbor? compilation and documentary. This simply titled nine-CD box set gathers together material from his nine album releases (eight studio albums, plus an alternate version of 1977 debut Crashes In Love), telling the story of his unusual career in full. An accompanying booklet fleshes out the story further, while retaining the mystique that's long accompanied his exotic, Moog-heavy take on African pop and dance music. For those with a passion for African music, it should be an essential purchase.

Review: Now a high chief and Kenyan diplomat, Onyeabor was once one of Africa's most forward-thinking popular music contributors. Released in 1983, toward the end of his eight album discography, the two extended cuts on Good Name reflect the emergence of electronic music and how it influenced African pop culture. With conscious lyrics about value and soul, both tracks capture one of the most exciting times in recent musical history. Truly unique.

Review: Following 2012's fourth volume that celebrated the existential work of Tim Maia, here we find Luaka Bop exploring the legacy of William Onyeabor. A high chief and Kenyan diplomat who allegedly refuses to discuss his music, he self-released eight albums in the 70s and 80s and these are some of the many highlights. Stretching from the New York-influenced post-punk synth funk of "Good Name" to the most authentic Afro fusion of "Why Go To War", Onyeabor's range not only reflects his clear creative skill, but also the ever-developing international language of music during the fruitful period he was active. Who is William Onyeabor? Press play and find out yourselves...

Review: A lesson in how to follow up an incredible album: Tomorrow followed Onyeabor's incendiary Atomic Bomb immaculately. The title track instantly set the scene with more emphasis on electronic elements and studio techniques as William sermonises without pomp. "Why Go To War" is as insistent as its message thanks to a dense lolloping groove of highlife guitars and spiralling keys. "Fantastic Man", meanwhile, takes a leaf out of Parliament's playbook, rolls it up and smokes its own and "Try & Try" closes the show with country subtlety thanks to its slide guitars and blushing keys.

Review: The hive of activity at Luaka Bop themed around the work of elusive Nigerian synth-funk pioneer William Onyeabor doesn't look like slowing down any time soon with the first of two comprehensive vinyl box sets arriving. First brought to wider attention on last year's hugely popular compilation Who Is William Onyeabor?, Luaka Bop's ongoing efforts have to be applauded here as five of the LPs the Nigerian artist self-released between 1977 and 1985 are remastered and made available officially for the first time. Onyeabor's debut LP Crashes In Love is present in it's originally mixed stereo form and along with four other albums, Luaka Bop make space for an additional 7", two booklets and MP3 download codes for all the music.

Review: After the success of their Who Is William Onyeabor compilation last year, Luaka Bop have curated two ultimate collections that explore every nook and cranny of the near-mythical Nigerian dynamo who self-released eight albums between 78-85 before quitting music never to discuss his work publically again. Cherry picking the best elements of every genre (even ones of the future) Onyeabor's songwriting, coupled with some deliciously creative production techniques, still sound timeless now... The cosmic harmonies of "Heaven & Hell", the twitchy ESG-style punk-funk fusion of "Good Name", the calypso croons of "Crashes In Love", the list goes on. A true celebration of a unique man in African music, both this and Box Set 1 are fascinating documents.

Review: Mysterious to the point of genuine legend, ever since Luaka Bop rekindled William's legacy flame in 2013 growing interest has developed in his work... To the point he's granted an interview and, rather amazingly, hinted at new material in the future. For this particular rerelease we head back to one of his finest albums; his second LP that would spawn the name of his live band who are still active to this day. Shining with strong Caribbean influences on "Beautiful Baby" and "Shame", stomping with strident Afrofunk twists and heavy studio techniques on "Atomic Bomb", slinking and skanking with the feel good "I Need You All Life", Atomic Bomb really is a work of beauty.

Review: Following 2012's fourth volume that celebrated the existential work of Tim Maia, here we find Luaka Bop exploring the legacy of William Onyeabor. A high chief and Kenyan diplomat who allegedly refuses to discuss his music, he self-released eight albums in the 70s and 80s and these are some of the many highlights. Stretching from the New York-influenced post-punk synth funk of "Good Name" to the most authentic Afro fusion of "Why Go To War", Onyeabor's range not only reflects his clear creative skill, but also the ever-developing international language of music during the fruitful period he was active. Who is William Onyeabor? Press play and find out yourselves...