Live Report: Lauryn Hill and The Fugees awe 3Arena

Lauryn Hill and the Fugees took over 3Arena, putting on an engaging performance for her fans on Monday night

The opening of the concert saw supporting act DJ Reborn serenading the crowd in preparation for Hill's performance, setting the tone by energising the audience ahead of L. Boogie's arrival.

Ms. Lauryn Hill & The Fugees at 3Arena. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Already bearing a reputation for being late to her own shows, Hill raised controversy in August after she cancelled the North American leg of the Fugees Reunion tour. While the rapper herself cited poor ticket sales (caused by "clickbait headlines"), bandmember Pras Michel blamed Hill for the "gross mismanagement" of the situation in a lawsuit filed at the beginning of this month.

Amidst all this drama, the Dublin audience was waiting in anticipation to see if the star would arrive on time. The band descended on stage at 9:22 pm, which seemed to be on schedule, and started an anticipatory as the stage lights began to dim. The stage flashed blues and amber, and housed tall umbrellas laid in with red tassels.

Ms. Lauryn Hill & The Fugees at 3Arena. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

One of the umbrellas paraded onto centre-stage and unearthed Lauryn Hill. There was an undeniable element of whimsicality to her performance from her colourful outfit choice to the Irish flag coloured beads in her hair.

Her outfit matched the playful vibe, and was an apt reminder of the singer's creativity and big, boisterous stage presence.

Much to the excitement of onlookers, the first half on the concert focused on The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill - the seminal, critically-acclaimed 1998 opus, which topped Apple Music's 'Greatest Albums of All Time list' earlier this year

During 'Doo Wop (That Thing)' Hill's vocals were stunning, creating a southern Baptist Church-feel. The three backup vocalists reminded me of Bob Marley's backup singers, with smooth soulful tones.

Ms. Lauryn Hill & The Fugees at 3Arena. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

There was an effective enmeshment of the backup singers and Hill's expressive voice, which underscored an impressive guitar riff.

Wyclef Jean's presence was explosive, as he jumped on beat to the flickering blue lighting. Jean sounded powerful and engaged heavily with the audience, encouraging audience members to move their hands to the beat. Jean did a headstand and sung a cover of 'No Woman, No Cry', before ripping a flashy Louis Vuitton Stratocaster.

Hill was joined mid-set on stage by her son Zion Marley, whose soulful voice was deeply reminiscent of his grandfather's.

Ms. Lauryn Hill & The Fugees at 3Arena. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

During 'Ready or Not' from The Score the crowd exploded, and more bouts of blue and red lights filled the venue, Hill's vocals were crisp and Wyclef's complimenting raps made for a blast of nostalgia.

The set ended wonderfully with the music of Lauryn Hill's other son YG Marley with his viral TikTok  song 'Praise Jah in The Moonlight.'

Despite the ongoing controversy regarding the cancellation of the U.S. dates of the tour, Lauryn Hill and the Fugees proved to everyone in attendance that they still got it.