The family of Nigerian music pioneer William Onyeabor has paid glowing tribute to the late artist on what would have been his 79th birthday.
In a heartfelt statement, his sons Charles, Emeka, and Chika Onyeabor celebrated their father's groundbreaking contributions to music, describing him as "a force of nature" whose visionary work continues to inspire generations.
"Our father saw the future of sound and embraced it long before the world caught on," the family shared. "His music was a message, a movement, and a testament to African creativity."
Onyeabor revolutionized Nigerian music in the 1970s and 80s with his unique blend of Afro-funk and electronic synthesizers, producing timeless hits like "Better Change Your Mind," "Fantastic Man," and "Atomic Bomb."
While acknowledging his physical absence, the family emphasized that "his music and spirit are eternal," pledging to preserve his legacy for future artists and music lovers.
The electronic funk pioneer passed away in 2017 but remains one of Africa's most influential musical innovators, with his work experiencing a global resurgence in recent years.