The UK's iconic Glastonbury Festival returned this summer, transforming Worthy Farm into a vibrant hub of contemporary arts from June 26th to 30th. This year marked a special anniversary - 40 years since Fela Kuti's legendary 1984 performance cemented his place as the second African headliner.
The Nigerian influence remained strong in 2024. Rising star Ayra Starr captivated audiences on Saturday with energetic renditions of hits like "Sability." Femi and Made Kuti, carrying the torch of their father and grandfather, brought their electrifying fusion of Afrobeat, funk, and jazz to the Pyramid Stage.
Femi Kuti is a Glastonbury veteran, having performed alongside his father in 1984 and returning in 2005 and 2010. This year, the father-son duo delivered a powerful set, collaborating with Coldplay for a rendition of "Arabesque" featuring Elyanna's vocals.
Burna Boy, another Glastonbury favorite, built upon his 2022 success with a show-stopping performance. He opened a cappella with "It's Plenty" before transitioning into smash hits like "Ye" and closing with the fan-favorite "Last Last." This performance followed his electrifying London Stadium concert as part of the "I Told Them Tour." He also joined forces with British rapper Little Simz and Coldplay to unveil their unreleased collaboration, "We Pray."
This year wasn't just about established names. Ayra Starr and Tems, both representing the rising wave of Nigerian talent, graced the Pyramid and Other Stages respectively. Ayra Starr mesmerized the crowd with her set, while Tems delivered a soulful rendition of "Love Me Jeje" from her debut album, "Born In The Wild."
Watch their performances below:
Tems
Coldplay, Femi and Made Kuti
Ayra Starr
Burna Boy
Besides Fela Kuti, who blazed the trail in 1984, other Nigerian artists like Tems, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Femi Kuti, and Made Kuti have graced the Glastonbury stage.
Wizkid in 2023
Watch Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 perform “Bad Man Lighter” at Glastonbury 2022
Burna Boy in 2022