William Onyeabor - 1979 - Tomorrow

William Onyeabor

1979

Tomorrow

01. Tomorrow

02. Why Go To War

03. Love Me Now

04. Fantastic Man

05. Try And Try

May I seize this opportunity to thank those who rendered relentless efforts to make this Album a grand success. Special thanks to all members fo the staff of WILFILMS LIMITED.

Emma, Shirley, Justin, Paul, Charlie, Franqui, Ngozi, Akpononu, Christy, Menakaya, Ipere, Eneanya, Caroford, Onukegbe, David and my beloved mother Mrs. E. N. Onyeabor.

William Onyeabor’s Tomorrow (1979), released on his Wilfilms Records, is a captivating showcase of the enigmatic Nigerian artist’s genre-blending prowess, merging Afro-Funk, Synth Funk, and Boogie into a distinctive, lo-fi sound. With just five tracks, the album is concise yet impactful, delivering infectious grooves, quirky synths, and socially conscious lyrics that linger with listeners.

The title track, Tomorrow, opens with an ethereal, synth-driven vibe, where Onyeabor’s sermon-like vocals urge listeners to “do it well, for no one knows tomorrow,” backed by hypnotic rhythms and fuzzy keyboards. It sets a reflective yet danceable tone. Why Go to War follows, a standout for its bold social commentary on the futility of conflict, channeling Curtis Mayfield’s protest energy with pulsating Afrobeat rhythms, female harmonies, and Onyeabor’s commanding delivery. Love Me Now shifts to a sensual, boogie-inflected groove, its under-mixed harmonies and playful vocals creating a warm, romantic vibe. Fantastic Man, often hailed as the album’s peak, is an infectious, synth-heavy banger with relentless energy and eccentric vocal flourishes, making it a favorite among DJs. Closing with Try and Try, the album maintains its upbeat tempo, delivering a mantra-like message of perseverance through layered synths and a hypnotic feel.

Onyeabor’s innovative use of synthesizers, groundbreaking for Nigerian music in the late ’70s, gives Tomorrow a futuristic edge while staying rooted in Afrobeat traditions. Tracks like Why Go to War weave meaningful messages into danceable rhythms, striking a balance between intellectual depth and visceral energy. The album’s short length and raw, authentic production enhance its replay value, though the lo-fi quality, with occasionally murky sound and under-mixed harmonies, may not appeal to those preferring polished recordings. As Onyeabor’s third album in three years, it refines his formula from Atomic Bomb (1978) rather than reinventing it, which might leave some listeners wanting more evolution. The album cover, featuring a formal portrait of Onyeabor with garish text, feels oddly mismatched with his cool, innovative sound, adding to its quirky charm.

Reissued by Luaka Bop in 2015, Tomorrow has earned a cult following. On Rate Your Music, it scores 3.61/5 from 502 reviews, ranking #174 for 1979 albums, with praise for its melodic energy and synth innovation, though some note the raw production’s divisive nature. Album of the Year gives it a 76/100 from 16 reviews, with Fantastic Man and Try and Try earning high marks. Sputnikmusic users rate it 3.6/5, celebrating its unique Afro-Funk-electronic blend, while Amazon reviews average 4.7/5 from four ratings, commending Onyeabor’s consistency.

A self-taught musician and independently wealthy industrialist, Onyeabor self-released Tomorrow during a prolific period before retreating from music, adding to his mystique. Its rediscovery in the 2000s by crate-diggers and DJs has solidified its status as a Nigerian funk gem, influencing modern artists. Tomorrow is a must-listen for fans of Afrobeat, funk, or early electronic music, offering a blend of infectious rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics. While its lo-fi quirks may not suit all, its raw energy and visionary spirit make it a rewarding experience, perfect for late-night listening or dancefloor revivals.