27th January, 2023
By Taiwo Adeleye
In the world of music, legacies often transcend generations, carrying the torch of innovation and creativity. Charles Onyeabor, the eldest son of the iconic Nigerian funk musician William Onyeabor embodies this beautifully. Poised to carve his path while honoring his father’s influential musical journey.
Growing up in Enugu State, Nigeria, Charles was surrounded by the captivating beats and tunes crafted by his father. William Onyeabor, a legendary funk artist, made waves in Africa and across by pioneering the electro-funk genre. Being exposed to his father’s unorthodox sounds fueled Charles’ deep love for music right from his early years.
Despite pursuing a Civil Engineering degree at the University of Science and Technology in Enugu, Charles’ heart always remained tied to the musical world that had captivated him since childhood. In 2003, Charles ventured beyond the shores of Nigeria, setting his sights on Europe. It was here that he began channeling his inherited musical talent and delving deeper into sharpening his skills for music creation. Drawing inspiration from his father’s innovative compositions, Charles embarked on a journey to harness his creativity and forge his unique musical identity.
His father’s legacy served as both a guiding light and a challenge an aspiration to honor the past while innovating for the future. With a fervent dedication to his craft, Charles immersed himself in various musical techniques and technologies, steadily evolving as a musician.
As Charles navigated the intricate landscape of music creation, he stayed connected to his roots, assimilating elements of his father’s signature style into his own compositions. He keenly studied the nuances that made William Onyeabor’s music timeless, understanding the amalgamation of funk, and electronic elements that defined his father’s sound.
For Charles, tracing his father’s legacy isn’t merely about emulation; it’s about evolution. It’s about paying homage to the past while pushing the boundaries of creativity to chart new territories in the music industry.
Through his journey, Charles Onyeabor remains driven by a profound sense of purpose to carry forward the musical torch ignited by his father, all while creating a legacy of his own. His commitment to music-making serves as a testament to the enduring impact of his father’s legacy and the unyielding passion for innovation that runs in the Onyeabor lineage.