William Onyeabor - 1978 - Atomic Bomb

William Onyeabor

1978

Atomic Bomb

01. Beautiful Baby

02. Better Change Your Mind

03. Atomic Bomb

04. Shame

05. I Need You All Life

Backing Band [Uncredited] – Wilfilms Resident Band

"May I seize this opportunity to thank those who rendered relentless efforts to make this Album a grand success.

Special thanks to Messrs Ipere, Menakaya, Tessy, Miriam, Moe, Tony, Dom, Joe, David and all members of WILFILMS RESIDENT BAND.

William Onyeabor’s Atomic Bomb, released in 1978 on his Wilfilms label, is a mesmerizing yet elusive slice of Nigerian Afro-funk that weaves lo-fi synthesizers, reggae undertones, and hypnotic rhythms into a singular sonic tapestry. Recorded in Onyeabor’s Enugu studio, this five-track LP—featuring “Beautiful Baby,” “Better Change Your Mind,” “Atomic Bomb,” “Shame,” and “I Need You All Life”—captures the artist’s idiosyncratic genius as a composer, songwriter, arranger, and producer. It’s a record that feels both of its time and startlingly ahead of it, blending playful electronics with politically conscious lyrics and a warm, minimalist groove.

The album’s charm lies in its deceptive simplicity. Onyeabor constructs each track from sparse elements—two keyboards, understated percussion, and soulful female backing vocals—yet crafts a sound that’s vibrant and uplifting. “Better Change Your Mind” stands out as a masterpiece, its “wha wha” guitar and spacey funk vibe radiating a cool, cosmic energy that one reviewer dubbed “the fucking coolest jam ever.” The title track, “Atomic Bomb,” pulses with joyful thunder, its sustained grooves earning it a near-hit status in Nigeria. Tracks like “Beautiful Baby” and “I Need You All Life” further showcase Onyeabor’s smooth charisma and knack for infectious rhythms, though “Shame” feels softer, almost like lazy morning music, lacking the spark of its companions.

Critics have praised Atomic Bomb for its innovative use of synthesizers, rare in 1970s Nigerian music, and its euphoric, psychedelic vibe. Yet, some argue it’s not Onyeabor’s strongest work, pointing to albums like Good Name or Crashes in Love as more consistent showcases of his talent. The lo-fi production, while endearing, can sound tinny compared to the robust live renditions performed at events like the 2014 Barbican tribute, where artists like Damon Albarn and the Lijadu Sisters transformed Onyeabor’s tracks into rousing, dancefloor-ready anthems. For some, the album’s hypnotic repetition borders on monotonous, with its electro-reggae leanings occasionally feeling like a snoozefest outside the standout tracks.

Atomic Bomb carries a cult mystique, amplified by Onyeabor’s enigmatic life. A Nigerian who studied cinematography in Russia, he returned to Enugu in the mid-1970s to build Wilfilms and record his music, only to later abandon it for a successful business career and a reclusive life as a born-again Christian High Chief. Rediscovered by David Byrne’s Luaka Bop label in the 2010s, the album found a global audience, its influence evident in compilations like Nigeria 70 and the 2013 Who Is William Onyeabor? collection. On Rate Your Music, it holds a respectable 3.56/5.0 from 865 ratings, ranking #242 among 1978 albums, with tracks like “Better Change Your Mind” and “Atomic Bomb” earning high praise, though “Shame” lags slightly behind.

Ultimately, Atomic Bomb is a captivating, if uneven, entry point into Onyeabor’s world. Its quirky synth-funk and conscious lyrics make it a rewarding listen for fans of Afrobeat and electronic music, though newcomers might find richer rewards in his later works. Stream it on Bandcamp or YouTube, or seek the 2015 Luaka Bop vinyl reissue for a warm analog experience. For those intrigued by Onyeabor’s legacy, Atomic Bomb is a vibrant snapshot of an artist who built a universe from minimal means, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate.