Ms. Lauryn Hill’s Diaspora Calling! made a powerful UK debut on Friday (Aug. 8), drawing more than 35,000 attendees to Milton Keynes National Bowl for a day-long celebration of music, art and Black culture. Conceived and curated by Hill and hosted by Dave Chappelle, the landmark event united legendary performers, emerging artists and cultural leaders while commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Fugees’ classic album The Score.
The festival delivered a cross-generational lineup featuring Ms. Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Erykah Badu, YG Marley, Zion Marley, Giggs, Fireboy DML, Seun Kuti and The Compozers, alongside DJ sets from DJ OBI and Michael Brun. Chappelle served as host throughout the evening, introducing performers and providing commentary that connected the event’s broader celebration of the global African diaspora.
One of the night’s defining moments came when Hill reunited with Wyclef Jean to honor three decades of The Score. The pair revisited Fugees staples including “Ready or Not” and “Fu-Gee-La”, while also highlighting their solo catalogs. Wyclef performed fan favorites such as “911,” and Hill delivered renditions of “Ex-Factor,” “To Zion,” and “Doo Wop (That Thing),” the latter joined by special guest Erykah Badu in one of the festival’s biggest surprises.
Surprise appearances added to the excitement throughout the day. Kano joined Giggs onstage for performances of “P’s & Q’s” and “Rudeboy,” while YG Marley performed his global breakthrough hit “Praise Jah in the Moonlight.” Zion Marley paid tribute to his grandfather Bob Marley with “Three Little Birds” before introducing his own music.
Beyond the performances, Diaspora Calling! expanded into fashion, visual art, entrepreneurship and community engagement. Los Angeles artist Lauren Halsey presented animated visuals following her Piccadilly Lights installation earlier in the week, while Denim Tears, Kids of Immigrants and beauty brand Topicals contributed activations exploring identity, migration and heritage.
The celebration also extended beyond Milton Keynes. In the days leading up to the event, Hill and Wyclef Jean met fans at London’s 180 Studios to sign albums and memorabilia celebrating The Score, while Halsey’s public art installation transformed Piccadilly Circus into a tribute to Black imagination and cultural memory.
Originally launched at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre in 2016, Diaspora Calling! continues to evolve into far more than a concert series.
Photo: Neo Gilder
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