Lauryn Hill set for Mzansi comeback - late or not, her greatness still reigns

It’s official: Lauryn Hill is coming to South Africa - and fans are in full celebration mode.

On Thursday, July 17, the organisers of the DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival announced that the iconic Ms Hill will headline the festival’s Sunday main stage on September 21 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg.  

And in true Hill fashion, the news nearly broke the internet.

The headliner line-up for the day is a dazzling mix of global and local talent.

Alongside Hill will be none other than Wyclef Jean, YG Marley, Zion Marley and some of Mzansi’s finest musical gems - Lira, Mandisi Dyantyis, Zoë Modiga, Oskido and Joyous Celebration Rewind, among others. But it’s Hill’s name that sent shockwaves of excitement across timelines. 

Social media quickly erupted with praise and disbelief.

@cnehshuga couldn’t contain her joy: “Lauryn Hill is coming to Delicious Fest omgggggggggg.”

Noluthando Tshabalala echoed the hype: “Okay, now we’re getting somewhere 🔥🔥🔥.”

Leigh Pearson-Adams wrote simply and reverently: “Wow! Legend in her own lifetime.”

And Rofhiwa Silas said what everyone was thinking: “Now you are talking.”

Of course, the jokes followed - as they always do when it comes to Hill’s famously unpredictable timing.

@Sandra_Phoma posted, “I hope there’s a time-sensitivity clause on that contract.”

@Lebohang___N joked, “DStv Delicious booking Lauryn Hill is hella interesting considering she is always LATE.”

And @neoentle_T added: “I need to be at the DStv Delicious because what if Lauryn Hill does show up and is on time? OMG 😭.”

But delay or not, Mzansi knows that when Hill steps on stage, magic happens. 

Hill’s journey into the spotlight started early. At just 13, she stepped onto the legendary stage of the Apollo Theater in Harlem - a venue known for building stars and breaking dreams.

Even then, though she was nervous, she exuded the kind of strength and authenticity that would define her career for decades to come. 

Now, at 50, Hill remains as relevant and revered as ever. Her staying power isn't built on gimmicks or PR spin, but on raw talent, fearless artistry and a deep connection to her audience. 

Hill is that rare kind of artist who can rap like a battle-tested MC and sing like a soul goddess - sometimes in the same verse.

Her voice holds emotional weight, her delivery is magnetic and her lyrics? Unmatched. 

And then came “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” - the album that changed everything.

Released in 1998, Hill’s debut solo album wasn’t just critically acclaimed; it became a cultural landmark. A masterclass in vulnerability, musical fusion and lyrical excellence, the album blended hip hop, soul, R&B, reggae and neo-soul into a sound uniquely her own.

With themes of love, self-worth, motherhood and identity, Hill reached across borders and generations.

It went on to win five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, making Hill the first woman to take home that many trophies in one night at the time. It was a record-setting moment - and one that solidified her place in music history. 

What sets Lauryn Hill apart is not just the quality of her music, but what she represents. In a male-dominated genre, she stood out - not by conforming, but by being herself.

Stylish, conscious, unapologetic and deeply introspective, she redefined the role of women in hip hop and R&B. 

Artists across genres - from Beyoncé to Adele, Kendrick Lamar to J. Cole, and Rihanna have cited her as a major influence.

Fans attending DStv Delicious this year can expect to be taken on a sonic journey through some of Hill’s most beloved tracks, including: 

• "Doo Wop (That Thing)" - a timeless anthem about self-respect, relationships and empowerment. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and remains her biggest solo hit.
• "To Zion" (featuring Carlos Santana) - a powerful, personal ballad dedicated to her son, reflecting on the choice to become a mother amid industry pressure.
• "Lost Ones" - a sharp, no-holds-barred track often seen as a response to her fallout with Fugees bandmate Wyclef Jean. Its lyrical fire still burns bright. 
• "Turn Your Lights Down Low" (with Bob Marley) - a tender, reggae-infused duet that blends her soulful voice with Marley’s timeless essence. 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan who grew up on “Miseducation” or a Gen Z discovering her genius through samples and social media tributes, one thing is certain: the festival is a moment in history, and Mzansi is ready to bow to the queen.

So yes, even if she’s late, fans will be waiting.