William Onyeabor: Body and Soul (Justin Strauss and Bryan Mette remix)
Chairman Mao’s love for Leonard Cohen, Pacman and Peso in North Korea, William Onyeabor remixed and more in our weekly look at music
Our knowledge of William Onyeabor is due to a chance suggestion from Rough Trade director Nigel House at the opening of the Brooklyn location. We heeded his advice and have been hooked on Onyeabor’s distinct vibe ever since. The Nigerian musician’s sound hits you over the head with funky dance-inducing beats, spiritual synths and simplified lyrics crooning the truth. Much of Onyeabor’s identity remains a mystery, but crate-diggers have been fans for years, and 2013 saw Luaka Bop finally bring his songs to the (curious) masses. As a primer, listen to this subtle remix of “Body and Soul” from DJs Justin Strauss and Bryan Mette.
