
Fela Kuti: Fear No Man 7: Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense
Nov 12, 2025
Mabinuri Kayode Idou (Aidi) and Duro Ikujenyo join to discuss their pivotal roles in Fela Kuti's movement. They share how Fela transformed from a musician to a political educator, inspiring them to embrace decolonization and reclaim their identities. Aidi recalls his eye-opening encounter with Fela’s radical ideas, while Duro reflects on the influence of American pop culture. Their conversations uncover the power of literature in their education and the formation of the Movement of the People, advocating for cultural reforms in Nigeria.
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Decolonizing Minds Over Direct Confrontation
- Fela aimed to "decolonize" Nigerian minds by replacing colonial cultural influences with African knowledge.
- That project prioritized history, identity, and pride over direct attacks on government power.
Aidi's Transformation At Fela's House
- Mabinuri Kayode Idou (Aidi) joined Fela's circle after hearing his songs and reading about his raids in newspapers.
- Fela confronted Aidi about colonial respect rituals and handed him books that rewired his sense of history.
Books That Rewrote Their Curriculum
- Fela gave the young trio books claiming Greek philosophy drew from ancient Egypt, sparking intense reading sessions.
- The idea shifted their plans and led them to form a political-cultural movement around Fela.





