Diaspora Calling! festival

Diaspora Calling! is a festival envisioned by Lauryn Hill as a celebration of community, culture, and art within the global African diaspora. The 2026 event at The National Bowl in Milton Keynes marks the festival's first edition in the United Kingdom, arriving ten years after its inaugural launch in Brooklyn. The festival is designed to foster unity and reflection, bringing together a diverse array of creative talent to showcase the brilliance of the diaspora.

Hosted by comedian Dave Chappelle, the musical lineup features a wide range of artists including Erykah Badu, YG Marley, Zion Marley, Giggs, and Fireboy DML. A primary highlight of the event is a special performance by Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, who reunite as the Fugees to perform their landmark 1996 album, 'The Score', in its entirety to commemorate its 30th anniversary.

The festival's expansion to the UK was facilitated by the promoters of Reggae Land. In addition to the musical performances, the event incorporates visual storytelling and art, such as curated short films, to highlight heroes and symbols of African heritage. Hill describes the initiative as a 'call to unity' and a means of reclaiming and healing timelines through shared artistic experience.