Lauryn Hill’s “Diaspora Calling!” Festival Unites 35,000 Fans at Milton Keynes

On Friday, August 7, more than 35,000 attendees gathered at the Milton Keynes National Bowl for “Diaspora Calling!”, a celebration of Black music, culture and the global African diaspora. The event was hosted by comedian Dave Chappelle and positioned as a landmark U.K. showcase of hip-hop, reggae, R&B, soul, Afrobeat and U.K. rap.

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The festival featured performances by Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, who marked the 30th anniversary of the Fugees’ album *The Score* with renditions of “Ready or Not” and “Fu-Gee-La”. Hill also delivered “Ex-Factor”, “To Zion” and “Doo Wop (That Thing)”, the latter joined by surprise guest Erykah Badu. Wyclef performed “911”, while YG Marley and Zion Marley added reggae depth, the latter honoring his grandfather Bob Marley with “Three Little Birds”. Additional acts included Erykah Badu, Fireboy DML, Seun Kuti, The Compozers, Giggs (joined by Kano for “P’s & Q’s” and “Rudeboy”), and a host of U.K. and African artists, creating a multigenerational musical dialogue.

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Beyond the stage, the festival incorporated fashion, visual art and film. Los Angeles artist Lauren Halsey presented animated visuals tied to her Diaspora Calling! commission. Brands such as Denim Tears, Kids of Immigrants and Topicals participated in on-site activations. A backstage roster of notable guests—including Gunna, Common, Rapsody, Tiwa Savage, Little Simz, Stonebwoy, Victony, Derek Chisora, Sabrina Elba, Tolu Coker, Zeze Millz and Foday Dumbuya—underscored the event’s cultural reach.

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Reflecting on the festival, Hill emphasized its foundational purpose: “When we started, this was the mission from the beginning,” she said, noting the need to stay true to the original vision despite occasional detours.

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• “When we started, this was the mission from the beginning,” — Lauryn Hill

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