Lauryn Hill has announced the sudden cancellation of her tour with the Fugees in North America for the “Miseducation Anniversary Tour”, which began last year to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the release of “The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill”. After the media reported the news without giving any explanation as to the reasons for the cancellation, the American artist herself intervened, with a post on her social profiles, to explain her reasons. In an Instagram post, Ms. Lauryn Hill wrote:
“The decision to cancel our North American dates was a difficult one. The UK and European dates remain on schedule. I have had health issues over the past year that have forced me to reschedule some shows. Unfortunately, some media outlets' taste for sensationalism and clickbait headlines has created a distorted narrative, which has negatively impacted ticket sales for the North American leg of the tour. All of the faith, good intentions, and dedication to my craft have taken a backseat to this unfortunate portrayal. Not only have audiences in the UK and Europe yet to see the performance we have prepared for the tour, they haven't seen the Fugees reunite on the same stage in 25 years! Performing for my fans is an emotional experience every time, a profound exchange of energy and feelings for me. Each show is a piece of my own expression, and a testament to our connection and shared love of music. I can assure you that no one is more disappointed than me that I will not be able to perform. Please know that I am not only grateful for everyone who appreciates and supports my art, but I also fight and push back against any resistance to bring together experiences that are meaningful to all of us. I love being able to bring you these shows! I am grateful for your understanding. We look forward to being on stage in the UK and Europe in October. And to our fans in North America: as soon as these unfortunate circumstances are resolved, we will be back to full strength. With love, respect and honesty, MLH.”
Last year, Lauryn Hill was forced to stop due to some problems with her vocal cords. There was a lot of controversy at that time from the media and fans, who accused her of not taking her work seriously, for example by showing up late on stage.
Now, the American artist is responding in this way, accusing the media of having indirectly caused the poor ticket sales, which forced her to cancel the North American leg of her tour with the Fugees.
The “Miseducation Anniversary Tour,” which began last year for the 25th anniversary of “The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill,” was supposed to stop in the States in the next few days. A shame, considering that just this year, Lauryn Hill's “The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill” surprisingly reached No. 1 on Apple Music's chart of the greatest albums of all time, released by the streaming giant. “Compiled with the help of stars and key industry figures, this list is a love letter to the albums that have shaped the way we see and listen to the world,” Apple Music emphasized.
In 1998, the twenty-three-year-old from New Jersey was on her way to becoming the star of neo-soul at the end of the millennium. The ideal meeting point between Aretha Franklin and Bob Marley. Between the voice of the soul and that of the spirit. Five Grammys, 19 million copies sold worldwide and an impressive series of sold out define an extraordinary success for the American singer-songwriter, finally free to flutter between the themes that were closest to her heart in that period and to mix her love for Jamaican reggae and her never hidden love for the deepest gospel. It is precisely from this fusion that the backbone of “The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill” is born. A hybrid that certainly does not provide any innovation in the panorama of black music of the time, but which in its own way defines a singular songwriting recipe, with Hill in the role of both the disillusioned poet and the wounded lover. A seemingly docile lioness, who however knows perfectly how to scratch, through words that mix the teachings of her husband Rohan Marley's father and those of protestant preachers, gradually reaching a new awareness for the new motherhood.
Antonio Santini for SANREMO.FM
