Lauryn Hill Addresses Essence Festival Set Delay Best

Lauryn Hill has addressed the delayed start to her Essence Festival performance, saying the late start was due to production delays and not her fault. Lauryn Hill clarified that she is involved in all aspects of her shows to protect the integrity of her message and the quality of her performances. She appreciated the festival taking responsibility for the scheduling issues.

The Delay:

Lauryn Hill’s performance at the 2025 Essence Festival was significantly delayed, starting around 2:30 AM, rather than the scheduled time.

Production Issues:

Lauryn Hill emphasized that she is deeply involved in all aspects of her performance and that the delays were not due to her lack of preparation or disregard for her fans.

Misconceptions:

Lauryn addressed the misconception that her lateness is due to a lack of care or professionalism, stating it’s a “nonsense” narrative.

Appreciation:

Lauryn Hill expressed gratitude to those who stayed for her performance despite the late hour and emphasized the importance of media accuracy.

Lauryn Hill Slams Essence Festival Nonsense

The “Killing Me Softly With His Song” hitmaker took to social media, slamming the narrative surrounding her “nonsense” Essence Fest set, thanking Essence “for clarifying that the delays were not her fault”. Hill took the stage at 2:30 a.m. local time in New Orleans for the annual festival and celebration of Black culture, to a smaller crowd than she would typically attract.

“Family, let me address a few things: I am involved in every aspect of what it takes to put on my shows, because it requires THAT much involvement to protect the integrity of my message and the quality of what I do,” Lauryn Hill added. The music legend said she plans for performances “diligently” while also “being a parent, grandparent and steward to my immediate family and community”, adding that she “does so without complaint because it is truly labor of love and great passion for me. Family is Family and around here we protect our own no matter what”.

Final thought

All love and deep, profound admiration for Ms. Hill. She has really been a great performer since she began with the group Fugees. Much love and respect. Put some respect on her name!