Before joining a call with The Associated Press, Lauryn Hill and Fugees’ bandmate Wyclef Jean stood in London’s Piccadilly Circus, surrounded by fans. Above them on the Piccadilly Lights was an animated film curated by Hill. Created by Los Angeles artist Lauren Halsey, the film depicted heroes and symbols of the global African diaspora. The vibrant display was a celebration of community, culture, music, and art.
“The crowd was captivated,” Hill shared. “It was surreal,” Jean added. “The love was felt. It was amazing.” This event previewed what is to come. On Friday, Hill will bring her Diaspora Calling! festival to the U.K. for the first time, marking the 10th anniversary since its inaugural edition in Brooklyn. Hosted by Dave Chappelle, the festival features performances by Erykah Badu, YG Marley, Zion Marley, Giggs, Fireboy DML, and others at The National Bowl in Milton Keynes. At its heart, Hill and Jean, two-thirds of the Fugees, will perform their landmark album “The Score” in full.
Festival’s UK Edition and Future Plans
In the interview, Hill discussed the festival and the 30th anniversary of “The Score.” She also reflected on the legacy of the late D’Angelo. When asked why bring Diaspora Calling! to the UK, Hill responded, “We were given an opportunity by the promoters — the same promoters that do Reggae Land. He gave me the venue, and I said, ‘This is what I want to do.’ We’re blessed with the opportunity. It’s the season to bring people together in the name of growth, healing, and pushing forward.”
When asked if there are plans for more international editions, Hill answered, “Absolutely.”
Evolution of Diaspora Calling!
AP inquired about the festival’s evolution since 2016. Hill explained, “It started when I did a show in Ghana. I realized our conversation was not just about the immediate subject matter. Wyclef and I have built community over the diaspora throughout the years. It’s time to bring them together.”
Regarding artist selection, Hill said, “We put a call out to those we know, love, and respect. We’ve received abundant positive responses from the creative community wanting to participate.”
Performing ‘The Score’ and Its Impact
Hill and Jean will perform “The Score” to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Hill reflected on how their relationship to the album has evolved, “Absolutely. That’s a timeless piece of work for us.” Jean agreed, stating the album’s impact is comparable to iconic works like Bob Marley’s “Exodus” and Pink Floyd’s “The Wall.”
AP noted the transformative nature of “The Score” on both artists and listeners. Hill expressed gratitude, “There’s a timelessness. We’re reclaiming timelines and healing every time we perform.” Jean echoed, “Every time I perform ‘The Score’ now, I feel like it’s the first time.”
Fugees’ Legacy and the Spirit of Diaspora Calling!
Discussing the festival’s unique concert experience, Hill commented, “It’s the pinnacle of what the Fugees were all about. Our makeup is diaspora calls. We channeled unity, reflection, and resistance to ideas we knew better than. We aimed to share that brilliance and resourcefulness of the diaspora.”
The conversation turned to Hill’s tribute to Roberta Flack and D’Angelo at the Grammys. As the one-year anniversary of D’Angelo’s passing approaches, Hill expressed, “We lost another timeless soul who made timeless music. We want to protect his family and uphold his brilliance. He was good — without question.”