4 days ago
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Grammy Award-winning singer Lauryn Hill has staged the second edition of her “Diaspora Calling!” festival, bringing together music, art, culture and conversations celebrating the global African diaspora during a landmark event at Milton Keynes National Bowl in England. The festival attracted an estimated 35,000 attendees, making it the largest edition of the event since its debut in Brooklyn in 2016.
Hosted by comedian Dave Chappelle, the one-day festival featured an all-star lineup that included Erykah Badu, Wyclef Jean, YG Marley, Zion Marley, Giggs, Fireboy DML and several other performers representing diverse musical traditions from across the African diaspora.
One of the evening’s biggest highlights was the reunion of Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, who performed the Fugees’groundbreaking 1996 album “The Score” in its entirety to commemorate the album’s 30th anniversary. The pair also performed several of their solo hits, while Hill shared the stage with Erykah Badu for a rendition of “Doo Wop (That Thing).”
Hill said Diaspora Calling! was created to celebrate the shared history, creativity and resilience of people of African descent around the world. She explained that the festival has evolved from an idea inspired by her experiences in Ghanainto a broader movement aimed at strengthening cultural connections and fostering dialogue across the global diaspora.
Beyond the music, the festival showcased visual art, film and community engagement, emphasizing cultural heritage while encouraging collaboration among artists, creatives and audiences from different regions. Hill also unveiled a custom-designed performance outfit inspired by the legacy of workers and the enduring contributions of the African diaspora.
Looking ahead, Hill expressed hopes of expanding Diaspora Calling! to additional countries, saying she envisions the festival becoming an international platform that celebrates African heritage while building lasting cultural and creative partnerships across the diaspora.
English (US) ·