Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, core members of the iconic hip-hop group The Fugees, have indicated a positive state of their relationship, fueling hopes among fans for new music after three decades.
The comments come as the group prepares to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their landmark album, "The Score." Hill and Jean recently appeared together for the UK debut of "Diaspora Calling! By Ms. Lauryn Hill," a one-day festival held at the Milton Keynes National Bowl.
The festival featured performances by Hill, Jean, Erykah Badu, Giggs, Fireboy DML, YG Marley, and Zion Marley, with comedian Dave Chappelle serving as host.
Jean reflected on the group's early ambitions, stating that their goals extended beyond music. "I remember saying from a very young age, we're not going to do music, we're going to be a movement," he said. He emphasized that the themes explored by The Fugees 30 years ago, particularly concerning refugees, remain acutely relevant today. "When you talk about the idea of refugees, look where we are today. We were saying these things 30 years ago. It was never just about us – it was always about the movement."
Hill echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the members themselves embodied the spirit of "Diaspora Calling." She explained, "Our different places of origin came together to unite culture, reflect culture and show people how beautiful, powerful and resourceful that culture is."
Earlier in the day, Hill and Jean surprised fans with an impromptu a cappella performance of "Ready or Not" in London's Piccadilly Circus. Hill noted that London was a fitting location to launch the festival due to its diverse population. "There's so much of the diaspora in London," she said. "So many people are represented here. It felt like a full-circle moment for us."
Both artists have spoken about undergoing "an incredible healing process," which has led to the current positive dynamic and raised the prospect of new material from the group. The Fugees, formed in the early 1990s, achieved global success with their albums "Blunted on Reality" and particularly "The Score," which featured hits like "Killing Me Softly" and "Ready or Not." 