Fela Kuti Performs ‘Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense’ Live At Glastonbury 1984

The UK’s Glastonbury Festival was set to take place this weekend but was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. In honor of Glastonbury and Black Music Month, JamBase takes a look at one of the famed festival’s most memorable performances in its 50 year history.

On Saturday, June 23, 1984, legendary afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti took the stage at Glastonbury. During the set, the Nigerian-born musician would lead his band and dancers through a version of “Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense” that stretched to nearly 35 minutes. While Fela is famous for his marathon songs, the Glastonbury ’84 rendition went 10 minutes longer than the studio cut. The performance saw Fela doing what he did best…everything. From leading the band to playing multiple instruments to singing and dancing, Fela does it all.

Watch Fela Kuti’s performance of “Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense” from Glastonbury below for this edition of Sunday Cinema: