Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean Celebrate Diaspora Calling! in the UK

Moments before Lauryn Hill joined a call with The Associated Press, she and bandmate Wyclef Jean stood in London’s Piccadilly Circus, surrounded by fans. Displayed on the bright LED screen of Piccadilly Lights was a short film curated by Hill and crafted by Los Angeles artist Lauren Halsey. This animated, colorful collage showcased the heroes and symbols of the global African diaspora. The message focused on celebrating community, culture, music, and art.

The crowd was captivated, Hill said, while Jean added, It was surreal. The love was felt.

This event previewed Hill’s upcoming Diaspora Calling! festival in the UK. It’s the first time it will take place there, marking ten years since its inception in Brooklyn. Hosted by Dave Chappelle, with performances by artists like Erykah Badu and others, the festival will occur at The National Bowl in Milton Keynes. Hill and Jean, two-thirds of the Fugees, plan to perform their complete album “The Score.”

In an interview, Hill—joined by Jean—discussed the festival, the 30th anniversary of “The Score,” and D’Angelo’s legacy. This interview was edited for brevity.

Expanding the Festival Internationally

Hill explained why Diaspora Calling! is coming to the UK. “We were given an opportunity by the promoters, the same ones behind Reggae Land. They offered me the venue. I said, ‘This is what I want to do.’ It’s a chance to bring people together for growth, healing, and moving forward.”

On hosting other international editions, Hill expressed enthusiastic intent.

Evolution of the Event

Hill reflected on the festival’s evolution since its 2016 debut. She recounted a pivotal experience in Ghana where meaningful conversations transformed her vision for the festival. Hill highlighted the community-building efforts she and Jean have undertaken over the years, reinforcing the festival’s aim of unifying diasporic communities.

Selecting the Lineup

Hill described the process of choosing artists. “We reach out to those we know, love, and respect. We’ve received a lot of positive responses. The creative community is eager to participate, which is huge.”

Revisiting “The Score”

As Hill and Jean prepare to perform “The Score” for its 30th anniversary, Hill noted their relationship with the album has changed over time. Jean added, “The Score” has a timeless quality, similar to classic albums they admire. Hill shared that performing it feels new and invigorates them spiritually.

Jean agreed, Every time I perform ‘The Score’ now, I feel like it’s the first time.

Performing at Diaspora Calling! vs. Other Concerts

Hill explained how this festival performance differs from a standard concert. “It’s the essence of what the Fugees represent. Our makeup is diaspora calls, a call for unity, reflection, and resistance against misleading ideas.”

Honoring D’Angelo’s Legacy

Reflecting on the recent loss of D’Angelo, Hill expressed a commitment to uphold his family’s privacy while honoring his musical legacy. She affirmed his brilliance, emphasizing his influence.

“We lost another timeless soul who made timeless music,” she concluded.