Go Back

William Onyeabor

First Name: 

Other Names: 

Last Name: 

Stage Name: 

Country: 

Born: 

D.O.D: 

Primary Language: 

Other Languages: 

Bio

William Ezechukwu Onyeabor, was a renowned Nigerian musician and entrepreneur. He rose to fame in Nigeria during the late 1970s and early 1980s, becoming widely known for his funk music style. Despite his commercial success, he remained a private and reclusive person figure throughout his career, which only added to his enigmatic personality. His biggest hit "Better Change Your Mind," became widely popular and was featured in various compilations. Onyeabor's music remain popular and his legacy continue to inspire new generation of musicians.

Discography

Albums⁹

Box Set2016 • AlbumTracks: 37

Body and Soul2014 • AlbumTracks: 4

World Psychedelic Classics 5: Who Is William Onyeabor2013 • AlbumTracks: 9

Atomic BombNaN • AlbumTracks: 4

Anything you sowNaN • AlbumTracks: 4

TomorrowNaN • AlbumTracks: 5

Crashes in LoveNaN • AlbumTracks: 5

HypertensionNaN • AlbumTracks: 4

What?!NaN • AlbumTracks: 10

EPs³

Great Lover2016 • EPTracks: 4

Crashes In Love (1977 Version)2016 • EPTracks: 5

Crashes in Love (Ver 2)2016 • EPTracks: 4

Label

Record Label associated with William Onyeabor - past and current.

Similar Artists

Kagiso Paul NdlovuSouth Africa |1959| Afrikaans

Kagiso Paul Ndlovu started out in the group called The Big Cats in the late 1970s and moved onto a duo called The Street Kids in the early 1980s before going solo in 1985. It was clear that the Shangaan disco music king had arrived. Paul's trademark was his sailor's cap. The crowds loved this humble star from the North.

ItadiTogo |1948| English

When listing one of Togo's revolutionary musicians, Itadi Bonney known mononymously as Itadi can't be omitted. He was a singer, composer, arranger, and guitarist known for singing a fusion of Ghanaian highlife and Afrosoul. His songs were themed around peace, unity, against authoritarianism, and political and social injustice. His debut album released in 1977 earned him a little fame before fleeing to the US because his life was in danger due to the "heavy" lyrics on the album.

Sonny OkosunNigeria |1947| English

Sonny Okosun, aka Sonny Okosuns, was a singer-songwriter, evangelist, and social activist, and band leader/founder of Ozzidi Band. His music blended traditional African rhythms with rock, soul, and funk, often addressing political issues such as corruption and social inequality. Some of his most popular songs include "Which Way Nigeria" and "Fire in Soweto." Outside of music, Okosun was a passionate activist, campaigning for human rights and social justice in Nigeria. He passed away in 2008, but his music and legacy continue to inspire generations.

Dele SosimiNigeria |1963| English

Bamidele Olatunbosun Sosimi, alias Dele Sosimi, is a Nigerian-British multi-instrumentalist, Afrobeat singer, and former band member of Egypt 80 and Positive Force. He began his music career as a member of Fela Kuti's Egypt 80 band before co-founding the Positive Force band with his childhood friend Femi Kuti. The release of his debut album "Turbulent Times" (2002), which has been featured on major platforms and magazines, opened international opportunities for him across Europe and Africa.

Irene MawelaSouth Africa |1940| Afrikaans

Matodzi Irene Mawela is a renowned South African singer and composer. She grew up in Soweto and began her music career in the late 1950s as a member of the girl group, The Sweet Voices. Mawela signed a contract with Rupert Bopape, a producer for EMI South Africa, and went on to record for the Dark City Sisters and The Sweet Sixteens. Her music is a powerful tool for expressing the experiences of black South Africans during apartheid rule.

Mlungisi GeganaSouth Africa |1961| Portuguese

MLUNGISI GEGANA born in 27th December 1961 in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. For Mlungisi Gegana recognition hasn’t come easy and the journey has been long. But born in a community of inspirational artists who have made an impact on the national and international music scene, there was never a shortage of idols for this exceptionally talented bassist. Dubbed Little Jazz Town back in the 1920s, Queenstown is the home of the late trumpeter Mongezi Feza, vocalist Stompie Mavi, singer Margaret Mcingana and the Matshikiza musical dynasty of which Todd and his nephew Pat Matshikiza are the most famous.