Atomic Bomb – Who is William Onyeabor?

Colston Hall, Bristol | 2 April

Last week, a fervid Wednesday night crowd in Bristol became the second ever group of people to witness William Onyeabor’s music live. 

It was a curious, wonderful tribute, with a superb live collective of musicians joined by a promenade of guest vocalists. The enigmatic Nigerian synth pioneer’s sound was recreated impeccably as Colston Hall’s floor became a swirling mass of dancing bodies, but the occasion wasn’t so much a festival of musicianship as a celebration of a true visionary whose significance was barely acknowledged until very recently, as well as a poignant reminder of his very special, mythologised backstory.

The band, christened Atomic Bomb after one of Onyeabor’s finest moments, offered an unfaltering array of 10+ minute renditions of this unlikely hero’s catalogue, indulging freely in the love of repetition which made him such a visionary.

The outstanding achievement award for the evening goes to one-time LCD Soundsystem drummer Pat Mahoney, who was on stunning form behind the kit, his metronomic precision giving way to resonant, powerful breaks, particularly in the climactic When the Going is Smooth and Good. But plenty of acclaim must also go to Sinkane drummer Jaytram, who mirrored him impressively.

Similar plaudits must go to the rest of Sinkane for maintaining their superhuman energy levels throughout, while Beastie Boys collaborator Money Mark swirled and leapt around the lip of the stage. Of the vocalists, Alexis Taylor offered his unmistakeable tones to bring a further dash of familiarity to the joyous Good Name, with Kele Okereke, Ghostpoet and Nigerian double-act The Lijadu Sisters contributed significantly to the affair.

As a celebration it felt pure and uncynical, like a group of musicians here purely out of respectful admiration. We exited Colston’s Hall’s grand main auditorium grinning broadly, longing to witness the whole spectacle again; knowing we very probably wouldn’t

We relieve this incredibly memorable occasion in photos below, courtesy of the marvellous Ben Price.