NewzLauryn Hill hopped on a call with The Associated Press, she and Fugees’ bandmate Wyclef Jean stood in the center of London’s Piccadilly Circus, surrounded by fans. Broadcast above them, on the bright LED screen of Piccadilly Lights, was a short film curated by Hill and created by Los Angeles artist Lauren Halsey: an animated, colorful collage depicting the heroes and symbols of the global African diaspora. The message was clear: This is a a celebration of community, culture, music and art.
“The crowd was captivated,” Hill said. It was amazing.” It was a tease of what’s to come. On Friday, Hill will bring her Diaspora Calling!
for the first time, marking 10 years since its inaugural edition in Brooklyn. The event, hosted by Dave Chappelle and featuring performances by Erykah Badu, YG Marley, Zion Marley, Giggs, Fireboy DML and other artists, will be held at The National Bowl in nearby Milton Keynes. And its center: Hill and Jean, two-thirds of the Fugees, will perform their landmark album “The Score” in its entirety.
Below, Hill — joined briefly by Jean — discuss their festival, the 30th anniversary of “The Score” and the legacy of the late D’Angelo. This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. HILL: We were given an opportunity by the promoters — the same promoters that do Reggae Land.
And I said, ‘This is what I want to do.’ We’re basically blessed to have the opportunity. And, you know, ’tis the season to bring people together in the name of growth, healing and pushing forward. AP: The African diaspora is everywhere — are you hoping to do other international editions?
HILL: Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely. AP: How has the concept evolved since the first event in 2016? HILL: First of all, it started when I did a show in Ghana.
Summary from source