'Fantastic Man' (Full Length) - A Film About William Onyeabor

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You Need To Hear This is proud to present 'Fantastic Man' a documentary investigating Nigerian musician William Onyeabor, a man shrouded in mystery and myth. Directed by Jake Sumner (Alldayeveryday) the film tells the story of a label's attempt to track William down, speaking to fans such as Damon Albarn, Caribou and Femi Kuti and travelling to Nigeria to meet those who've worked with him in a bid to uncover the truth about his story.
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[@bota2112]

Just to see Mr. Onyeabor at the end was freaking amazing!

[@chijiokeokereke2042]

lol the same thing i thought a well done documentary

[@jemo9389]

I really like (and dont like) the fact that he refuses to do any type of interview. His message to us about God and the Bible and the request to film the pictures and instruments really tells us a lot about him in a way. It's all we need to know about him. R.I.P

[@ObiOrjiekwe]

Wow! documentary was a trip in nostalgia. William Onyeabor's electronic funk music was the backdrop to my childhood in the early 80s of Enugu, Nigeria. Constantly played on the radio, my dad playing Onyeabor's songs on the 8-track car stereo, my young Uncle Bart (rip) doing the moves from the video. Enugu was, and still very much is, a very creative city with an abundance of musical talent. Thanks guys for releasing such a great documentary PS: gotta big up *****, would have never found this if not for her 

[@skylinertheeditor]

Jus discovered william onyeabor music in 2023, amazing. Love from Bangladesh

[@olisa633]

I went to college in Enugu when Willie Onyeabor was all over the airwaves - but then as now - no one that I remember ever saw him in concert. Or even met him - and he lived less than two miles away. Thanks for the documentary. It is a fitting tribute to the mystery that was Willie.

[@WilliamAFerguson]

Whoever was responsible for putting this up - thank you. This was an amazing documentary about a man I've heard of for nearly 30 years.

[@longshanks64]

RIP Mr Onyeabor. The music is still making me smile !

[@ArielViera]

Now I wish William Onyeabor had the resources to make films. Imagine the trippy afro-futurist films he would have made with his amazing score?! Get this man a movie deal!

[@TheWillog]

he is dead now r.i.p.

[@benefitingdisadvantage3063]

had the same thought

[@SHINOBIBLADECLAN]

He new the world wouldnt be ready for it, someone greater will thread that path.

[@pictureofsky5332]

"...do the word of god and live a good life. I love you all, and bye for now." RIP

[@judee.7549]

Wow. Just Wow. Every part of the William Onyeabor renaissance story is nothing but a labor of love. Thanks to everyone that played a role in bringing this to the world. The best part is that the man himself, the riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma (as Churchill described Russia) was alive to, if not see, hear about the reawakening of the music we knew 40 years ago was futuristic and a cut above the rest. He was a mystery back in the late 70s and early 80s. While we never could figure out how this guy acquired state of the art gear that big established recording companies could only dream of (cost of one of those moog synthesizers could feed a village back in them days), we were forever in awe of the album liner notes that said "All instruments played by William Onyeabor". He really did it his way, from soup to nuts. Rest in peace great one. Thank you Luaka Bop, Uchenna Ikonne, Atomic Bomb band and the other good folks that embarked on this journey and seeing it through.

[@tylerlynch70]

For anybody interested, the biblical scripture he offered at the end is James 1:22-25 "22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it-not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it-they will be blessed in what they do."

[@VickyVideo_]

Ahem. I heard William for the first time this weekend. I thought he was a brand new, fresh, up and coming artist. And I listen to a lot of electronic music. Turns out he made his music in the 80s. He's a music time lord. What a delight

[@aniekanakai]

My uncle was the lead singer of The Funkees

[@LuakaBop]

Wow!

[@jamesflowers874]

Nice!

[@JerseyNo10Shirt]

Aniekan Akai am trying do a documentary on some legends..pls, can we talk?

[@vapewavesandsubarus]

@Malt Liquor Reviews what the fuck is your problem mate?

[@Mmmznznnxnxnnx]

@@JerseyNo10Shirtwow …..ok…..good talk

[@ashermusic5631]

My mother's sister is married to Williams's brother. I had never heard the story about William until my cousins started posting links to his music a few months ago.

[@richardhammond7103]

Wow. The bit outside the house near the end sends a shiver up the spine. Fabulous.

[@afolabiadedayo6558]

I had a chance meeting with a Polish Dj in Vienna city Austria,he asked me if I know William Onyeabor in 2017. Later I did a personal research and realised I remember the hit "when the going is smooth and good"...in the 1980s as a kid growing up in Lagos Nigeria!!! William Onyeabor was way ahead of his time!!!! He was very talented and unfortunately he had died some months earlier that year, talk about things going full circle!! RIP William Onyeabor!!!

[@KingYahshua]

I love the aesthetic in Nigerian artists, especially Onyeabor. makes me feel close to home. AMAAAAZING documentary.

[@robertclark2522]

Only just discovered Mr Onyeabor............wow, simply 'WOW'.

[@Mjohannb]

same just tonight !!! I can't sleep anymore

[@bigpimpin110011]

Great documentary. Loved it when you see William's synthesisers and then him at the end.

[@xermaster123]

Current theory: He was a time-traveler, got sent back to the 60's/70's, wanted to start electronic music. Got told off by the time-police for changing history and was forced to become a born-again-christian as an excuse not to ever talk about his past and reveal his true nature.

[@driziiD]

just discovered this legend! Nigeria we should be honoring our giants! thank you Noisey!

[@esteban_666]

This is a gem of documentary! We haven't learn nothing but I loved the effort of the crew, the people of Nigeria and the smile of William at the end was everything.

[@doomsdayzalinsky7910]

Si!

[@jeremyjirik8247]

RIP Just heard Atomic Bomb in a bar two weeks ago. Thanks for the groovy tunes, man.

[@mackiefilms]

What barrr??!!!! I wanna visit!!!!!

[@maddieroxx4eva]

Spotify put a couple of his songs in my discover weekly and here we are.

[@FelixSteinbild]

R.I.P. His great music makes me feel good!

[@superturboawesome1]

Part of the mystery that has me baffled, is all the pictures of him with a cowboy hat on. He really was his own character...

[@andrewb87]

so glad this guy is finally getting his due

[@antoinettehalberstadt7530]

Andrew Brown Judging from the HUGE popularity of his music in Nigeria at the time, and by the looks of his "palace", actually he got his due a long time ago! Perhaps what you're trying to say is you're glad he finally got recognized by the white/ Western world?

[@RQBtv]

I first heard Mr. Onyeabor's music while attending an art class in Mazeppa, MN about two years ago, specifically by overhearing it from someone's Bluetooth speaker. I had already taken a liking to musicians like Hailu Mergia and really hadn't dug too much deeper, but it's safe to say that William Onyeabor's music changed my life for the better.

[@akolawoleomoba3532]

The lesson from this story is, William Onyeabor is one of the greatest African musicians that ever lived. His influence on modern music is permanent. Unfortunately, Nigerians will not benefit from the royalties of his work.

[@travelwithcamera]

I wish I could give this documentary a gigantic hug. I loved it so.

[@radiohobocop.1373]

This is like the first actually interesting thing I've seen online in years, probably.

[@gmbai]

Saw this documentary with my wife last week and we loved it!

[@NickPescetto]

He just cut away all inputs that lead to illusions and fogging of the creative vision... and just stayed loyal to his art. thanks for sharing!

[@ObiOrjiekwe]

damn. RIP Mr Fantastic! It was a pleasure knowing you and your music

[@slayer5813]

If it wasn't for Apple's commercial that used "Fantastic Man" in it, I probably would have never known about William Onyeabor. Thank You Apple!!!

[@ipsilonia]

thank you for this doc! rest in peace, mr. onyeabor!!! seeing oga at the end smiling and waving made me cry (such a nice surprise!)

[@xPirus26]

beautiful documentry Noisey. Thanks my friends. This guy was truly dedicating himself and doing it for the people. I love Nigeria, my African brothers and sisters as well as its culture a lot. Be blessed my friends

[@brownze1]

Wow I’m honoured to have learnt some history about the legend. Thanks guys for putting this documentary together

[@Alknight7]

Loved this guy for a long time! Thanks for this amazing documentary/glimpse into this mysterious genius musician!

[@singerringerroses]

is that him waving his hand at the end. wow

[@Maximillion666]

Africa has always had some great funk groups/artists. I actually like African fuck more then the American version. If you enjoy William Onyeabor you might want to check out "Orchestre Poly- Rythmo Se Contonou"

[@quakueshut]

yes man they are great!

[@Lortenerfrisk]

A cabdriver once told me: a african pussy is like a volcano. So hot!

[@mcspongeicus]

Just listening to Orchestre Poly- Rythmo Se Contonou now! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@Mulavi]

When the Going is Smooth & Good randomly come on after listening to my South African song playlist last week and I saved it to that knowing nothing about the man. He gets his own separate playlist now. Thanks for the film about this Fantastic Man.

[@olawaninumi]

Many thanks to the team for the great work

[@CantThinkofaCoolOne]

Super job here Noisey. Top class.

[@killermusiccorp]

This really is an incredible project. Love Mr Onyeabor

[@suraynathan7148]

What a fantastic man!

[@johnnykrall]

incredible work, my friends and I have been infatuated with the idea of William and his music since 2018, so grateful to have found this short film in 2022. I am happy to have a learned so much but still so little the question of Who Is William Onyeabor? still remains.

[@AnthonyDavidsound]

I just found gold!

[@sailingadventuress5489]

You certainly have

[@OllieGio]

This is absolutely brilliant

[@cenkaetaya]

Never heard of him before this documentary. Thanks for sharing. I will be listening to Onyeabor now...

[@iamsoniaortiz]

This was sooo beautiful, thanks for putting it together ❤️. Loved the simple words he left us with at the end

[@qwertyfla]

RIP FANTASTIC MAN!

[@merlin1997ish]

I teared up a bit at the end

[@mirzapa]

I randomly discovered his “Fantastic Man” very recently. Having read up on him what I could find, it’s even more impressive.

[@charlesegbunike3820]

Funny, I went to school with his son but never knew how great his dad was smh!

[@ArielViera]

Whoa, that's crazy! Did his son even listen to his dad's records?

[@nwanomma1979]

Ariel Viera..of course I listen to my dad's music. Lol

[@nwanomma1979]

charles egbunike bro Hola me. We need to talk

[@damilolajaji8067]

bro, your dad's music is legendary. you should try to tell his story..... But its ok if he didn't want it. but this greatness is just too much. The sounds, mad

[@ChefDinon]

Charles Onyeabor bro we should talk

[@moneymexx13]

"searching for sugar man" - nigerian style!

[@Igbogadi]

Yes! I was thinking the same thing. Very much alike.

[@AnOutragedJew]

first thoughts , much love great work

[@hoffM83n]

rip mr. onyeabor. his music for me will always be associated with beautiful and depressingly powerful places that i was lucky enough to visit and just be happening to listen to his music at or before. kalau beach, random city park in taiwan, visiting the killing fields in cambodia. he created this music for whatever reason, and for that i am grateful

[@zibbyshow]

Rest In Power, Mr Onyeabor. Legends never die. It was very emotional seeing him at the end. Goodbye sir

[@underwaterlady]

r.i.p. fantastic man. thanks for the music

[@NickFlores_Music]

Omg when William came out at the end I literally couldn’t believe it!!

[@ooSICKoCORTIXoo]

incredible history, big up from spain

[@DJESSBEEDEE]

RIP Onyeabor! The man was a musical genius!!

[@DareiCaree]

Such a divine doc thanks for making it on a ethereal artist such as William

[@MadMaxtheCinephile]

He looks so good...Fantastic Man

[@tomedney82]

Does anyone know anything about Dr Adolf Ahanotu? I discovered his 1985 EP called 'Odejimjim' recently and it's really got a hold on me. Apart from him being Nigerian and the EP being released on Mirabel Records, there's absolutely zero info about him. The song 'Ijere' is hella funky/psychedelic and the whole EP is just out of this world. Great doc btw! Watched it a good few times now. I want to do one on Dr Adolf! ;)

[@robh2o]

i love videos like this , being a record collector i always wait for that one find as soon as the needle hits the record it blows you away.

[@contemplativeleaf]

Rest in peace Mr. Onyeabor! ♡

[@moroteseoinage]

Fire documentary. Really building up the mystery and the payoff is magic.

[@ezekielvillamarin7899]

Desde Ecuador, aun escuchamos a William, gracias este gran documental. Siempre nos quedara ese sabor agridulce por saber "Who is William Onyeabor?"

[@bradleyharrisYT]

RIP William Onyeabor. Your music will forever be a part of my life.

[@nbarnechea]

Rest in peace genius, you are making the Lord himself groove to your beats now

[@NupeVT]

Exceptional documentary and an even more exceptional character in William.

[@whitemoses]

One of the best music docs on KZbin. Excellent work

[@Abuzac]

Wow. That's good to know. I remember now. Growing up with his music. Though, never really knew who he was. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for the great music sir William Onyeabor.

[@driziiD]

again, we love to see it!

[@Whatevah232]

Rest in peace you wonderful human being, thank you for the music and the beauty.

[@Balonious_Crunk]

Fascinated by this man's musical and personal journey.

The pioneer of Nigerian electronic music >>

[@complexphenom402]

Why am I fascinated by this?

[@chetrok1]

This is so amazing

[@tonalfx]

We've lost a great pioneer. R.I.P Fantastic Man :(

[@grant1852]

What a great musician. Wish I could find original copies of these records. How cool.

[@randycool81]

When the going is smooth and good, many, many, people will be your friend 😎

[@abiodunadeyemi3320]

Those record store owners probably don't know the goldmine they are sitting on

[@MoyoTaiwo]

Is it possible for any library to create space for those vinyl records and preserve the history in them? These men may perhaps not understand how valuable those records are in this age. I am less than 30, but this is something I want to dig deep into and understand in great depth.

[@oncedidactic]

Thanks for this awesome film!

[@abiodunadeyemi3320]

Funny thing is I'm Nigerian based in Nigeria but I never knew of him until last year (2016), I doubt many of us here know of him, he doesn't have the legacy in Nigeria that of some of his contemporaries have.

[@kings11ng]

When the going song was quite popular back in the days.. just didn't know that he was Nigerian

[@PreparingForSHTF]

Thanks for this effort. Great job. Brother Onyeabor, I love you, man. R.I.P.

[@NefeStone]

this just made my day. fuck onyeabor was the shit. reminisce. good times.

[@funkhouse5936]

So much talent!

[@Vpmatt]

Brilliant documentary, fascinating guy. Great to see all the cast of people sharing their thoughts (and Damon too!). I'll get my vinyl copy out again soon for another listen. (Very pretty lady looking straight at the camera at 10:40 was another highlight).

[@imictfh]

RIP William Onyeabor :(

[@ArthurBizkit]

Thanks for having made this.

[@radiqalova]

hi, thanks for the exquisite piece a documentary here. I was wondering, was there a chance to see the original music video "When the going is smooth and good".

[@t0rment2004]

I have that organ, it's a Yamaha Electone. Great sounds on it.

[@fakejordans909]

This was so cool

[@CheGrand]

William Onyeabor looks so much like my Father on the Atomic Bomb LP cover it’s scary.

[@ArielViera]

Because he is! William Onyeabor is a father to us all.

[@cvanburen]

Ariel Viera 😂😂😉

[@FWD360]

Great piece! Very interesting documentary. The Myths and Synths of Mr Onyeabor.

[@phantomwizard]

Dude wearing the ONYEABOR $hirt is exactly why I never talk about the badass funky African gems I discover while crate-diggin.

[@CivilShepherd]

+PhantomWizzzzard Somebody has to exploit & make money off his craft. Might as well be the agents of satan.

[@shanefraser7764]

So Rad, ive owned the same synth and love the old sounds they have, ive used dozens in old churches some with peddle bellows and reed pull tabs the sound they have is different to synths obviously a more haunting tone🤘🇳🇿

[@thebigzero]

when oh when will the archivist and historian community turn their eye to CRASHES IN LOVE, would love to see that movie

[@imictfh]

this is GOLD!!!!

[@otisferry5913]

SIMPLY FANTASTIC