Hill and Jean were speaking ahead of Diaspora Calling! By Ms. Lauryn Hill, a one-day festival that will make its UK debut at the Milton Keynes National Bowl on Friday.
The event will feature performances from Hill, Jean, Erykah Badu, Giggs, Fireboy DML, YG Marley and Zion Marley, with comedian Dave Chappelle hosting.
Reflecting on the anniversary of The Score, Jean said the Fugees’ ambitions had always 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 said the themes explored by the group three decades ago remain as relevant as ever.
“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 said the Fugees themselves embodied the idea behind Diaspora Calling.
“Our different places of origin came together to unite culture, reflect culture and show people how beautiful, powerful and resourceful that culture is,” she said.
Earlier in the day, Hill and Jean surprised fans with a pop-up appearance in London’s Piccadilly Circus, performing an a cappella rendition of Ready or Not.
Hill said London was the natural place to launch the festival.
“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.”
