Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean Honor Roberta Flack in Heartfelt Memorial Performance

Join Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean as they celebrate the legacy of Roberta Flack through their touching performance at her memorial service.

A Tribute to an Icon

Recently, the dynamic duo from the Fugees, Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, took to the stage together during the memorial service for the legendary Roberta Flack. This heartfelt event took place earlier this week, paying homage to the unforgettable contributions of Flack in the music industry.

Roberta Flack, whose music touched countless lives, sadly passed away on February 24. Her team communicated their sorrow with a statement: “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.” An official cause of death hasn't been disclosed, but it's known that she had been bravely battling ALS for three years.

The Memorial Service

The memorial service was held at New York’s Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem on March 10. The atmosphere was saturated with love and remembrance as friends, family, and fans gathered to celebrate Flack’s extraordinary life. Among the attendees were notable figures such as Rev. Al Sharpton, Valerie Simpson, Phylicia Rashad, Dionne Warwick, Alicia Keys, India.Arie, Peabo Bryson, Clive Davis, and Stevie Wonder, who also delivered a tribute speech and performed his song “If It’s Magic.”

During the ceremony, Hill and Jean honored Flack's legacy by performing a few of her timeless classics. They captivated the audience with their rendition of Flack’s 1969 hit, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” and their iconic cover of “Killing Me Softly with His Song” from their 1996 album, The Score. This particular song remains one of the Fugees' most celebrated hits.

“Like Nina Simone, she carved out for me a pathway of soulful Black intellectual sublime beauty that not only spoke to Black resistance directly in lyric and statement, but was Black resistance to racism, bigotry and limitations by virtue of its existence.” - Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill's Emotional Speech

Before taking the stage to perform, Hill spoke passionately about Flack, expressing her deep admiration for the late artist. Hill recounted how they were not formally invited to perform but felt compelled to take part in the celebration of Flack’s life. “We kind of bum-rushed the service because it really wouldn’t be possible for us to just stand by and not participate,” she shared with the audience, as reported by Billboard.

In her emotional address, Hill elaborated on how Flack’s work transcended mere music. “She didn’t just write about the beauty; she was the beauty. She didn’t just write about resistance; her existence was a form of resistance.” Her words resonated with many, reflecting the powerful impact Flack had on generations of artists and fans alike.

A Legacy Remembered

Lauryn Hill had previously shared a heartfelt tribute to Flack upon hearing of her passing. The memorial service served as a reminder of Flack's incredible influence on music and culture, as well as her role as an educator and trailblazer.

And if you thought that was all — Hill also performed “Killing Me Softly” during the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary show alongside Wyclef Jean, a moment captured by Adele, who shared her excitement singing along to the song.

In light of the performance and emotional tributes, it’s worth noting that the third member of the Fugees, Pras, is facing quite a different reality. Currently battling legal issues, he has indicated that he’s “done” with the group.

FAQs

• What songs did Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean perform at the memorial? They performed "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly with His Song."
• Where was Roberta Flack's memorial service held? The memorial service was held at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York.
• What illness was Roberta Flack battling before her passing? She had been battling ALS for the past three years.
• Who were some notable attendees at the memorial service? Attendees included Rev. Al Sharpton, Dionne Warwick, Alicia Keys, and Stevie Wonder.
• What impact did Roberta Flack have on music? Flack broke barriers in the music industry and was a proud educator whose work resonated with themes of beauty and resistance.

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