Lauryn Hill hosts Diaspora Calling! festival in Milton Keynes

More than 35,000 fans gathered at the Milton Keynes National Bowl for the Diaspora Calling! festival, a celebration of Black music, culture, and the global African diaspora. Hosted by comedian Dave Chappelle, the event featured an extensive lineup including Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Erykah Badu, YG Marley, Zion Marley, Giggs, and Fireboy DML.

Highlights of the festival included a performance by Hill and Wyclef Jean marking the 30th anniversary of the Fugees’ album ‘The Score,’ revisiting classics such as ‘Ready or Not’ and ‘Fu-Gee-La.’ Hill also performed ‘Doo Wop (That Thing)’ alongside a surprise appearance by Erykah Badu. Other notable moments included Zion Marley performing ‘Three Little Birds’ in honor of Bob Marley and a collaboration between Kano and Giggs.

Beyond the musical performances, the festival served as a broader cultural experience incorporating fashion, visual art, film, and community programming. Hill noted that the festival was designed to highlight the creative abundance of the diaspora by involving artists, designers, and community organizers.