Revolutionary New Jersey singer and rapper Lauryn Hill made her show in Manchester a real family affair with support from her son Zion Marley.
‘The Celebration Continues Tour’ sees Ms. Lauryn Hill, alongside long-time industry friends and bandmates The Fugees, performing hits of the last few decades while raising a glass to her debut album ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ which turned 25 last year.
On Saturday night the tour landed at the massive Co-op Live arena in Manchester.
DJ Reborn built the atmosphere before Ms. Hill took to the stage. Playing a remix of Wonderwall by Oasis paired with Best I Ever Had by Drake, she really was combining tastes from the past and present.
Besides contributing to the success of one of the best-selling hip-hop groups of all time, Lauryn Hill also has an impressive roster of hits racked up in her solo discography too.
She made that clear with her bold entrance to Co-op Live with a dramatic version of ‘Everything is Everything’. The crowd were devoted subjects to their Queen.
Ms. Lauryn Hill playing a show to a full Co-op Live.The crowd being re-educated while celebrating 25 years of ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’. Credit: The Manc Group
Ms. Lauryn Hill performed her passionate album track ‘To Zion’ dedicated to her son before giving him the stage to captivate the audience with a collection of three reggae tracks.
The crowd were on a constant high throughout, as much as they were hyped for the visionary that is Lauryn Hill’s setlist, they gave Zion Marley the same energy too.
As the piano riff to her ground-breaking UK top three hit ‘Doo Wop (That Thing)’ started playing out to the Manchester crowd, everyone rises out of their seat like it’s time for the national anthem, and for Lauryn Hill fans… it is.
As she sings the infamous, ‘Guys you know you better watch out’, it’s not only the guys who need to be watching their backs for the R&B icon, as even a quarter of a century since the release of her sole studio album and magnum opus, she is showing modern-day singers who paved the way.
The setlist for this concert was packed with recognisable numbers and Wyclef Jean made an appearance to co-captain Hill as they performed a selection of The Fugees’ tracks. Hits like ‘Killing Me Softly’ and ‘Fu-Gee-La’ were among the many.
As Ms. Hill uttered the words ‘Ready or Not’ the crowd were louder than ever. She sings ‘Manchester you can’t hide you can’t run’ and why would we want to when we’re currently being blessed by the vocals of a 90’s icon?
Hill’s musicality has become much more than her 16-track album, she’s a mainstay in pop culture and has pioneered some of the biggest 21st century artists.
Canadian rapper Drake’s 2018 song ‘Nice For What’ samples the 1999 single ‘Ex- Factor’ while American R&B singer Kehlani has the album cover tattooed on her arm.
If you thought you could escape the female R&B and rap trailblazer, she’s made sure her legacy is continued through her bloodline with the prospects of her son and fellow recording artist YG Marley.
The 22-year-old prodigy has seen quite the success with the release of his reggae-fused melody ‘Praise Jah In The Moonlight’ across social media platforms.
Unfortunately, he was unable to attend but Ms. Hill made sure tonight was a real family affair by playing his hit through the speakers to close the show.
It’s clear that Lauryn Hill’s music has gone on to inspire not just her generation, but future ones too and with her son now making waves with Gen Z and beyond on TikTok.
Tonight has proven that Ms. Hill and The Fugees legacy and sound will never be forgotten.
Featured Image: The Manc Group
Audio
Kaiser Chiefs continue debut album’s 20th anniversary celebrations with more tour dates
Danny Jones
Northern music veterans Kaiser Chiefs are set to continue the celebrations of their debut album’s 20th anniversary with even more milestone tour dates next year.
It’s hard to believe it’s been two decades since their very first LP, Employment, was first released, just before the onslaught of indie landfill took over the UK and beyond back in the 200s, but it really has been that long.
2025 has seen the beloved Yorkshire band rolling back the years and playing all the hits from the seminal debut record, and since the scenes at Glastonbury, Kendal Calling, Tramlines, Latitude and more have been such good vibes, they’ve decided to keep the party going even longer.
Announcing further tour dates next February, the Leeds legends will be heading back on the road before you know it and playing all of the hits.
Confirming a dozen new live shows, the noughties hit-makers behind ‘I Predict A Riot’, ‘Ruby’, ‘Oh My God’ and many more will be heading to Manchester for just the second stop on their upcoming tour.
Heading to O2 Victoria Warehouse on Saturday, 14 February, the ever-familiar British five-piece haven’t yet announced a hometown gig.
That being said, we have a feeling you can expect something extra special – perhaps a Temple Newsam 2.0 – to be revealed for them not too far down the line.
Speaking on the tour extension, frontman Ricky Wilson said: “This summer, we played a load of shows to mark the release of our debut album, Employment. It went well. Probably better than our first summer 20 years ago.
“It was the year after that first year that things really took off, so we hope you will join us in February to help celebrate with us ‘the year it really took off’.
“If you were with us the first time, or unfortunately missed out due to other commitments, we hope you will join us for a joyous lap of honour. (Plus, I spent quite a bit on a new blazer and want to get my money’s worth)”.
NEW: @kaiserchiefs NEW: Kaiser Chiefs are heading on the 'MORE Employment' tour, playing their debut album in full plus their greatest hits at #O2VictoriaWarehouseManchester on Sat 14 Feb!
— O2 Victoria Warehouse Manchester (@O2VicWarehouse) August 15, 2025
Our Audio North followers will be glad to hear that there a plenty of gigs taking place up at the top end of the country, and you can see the full list of ‘More Employment‘ shows down below.
Kaiser Chiefs’ 2026 UK tour dates:
13 Fri – Bradford, Live
14 Sat – Manchester, O2 Victoria Warehouse
15 Sun – Stockton, Globe
17 Tue – Dundee, Live House
18 Wed – Glasgow, Barrowland
20 Fri – London, Eventim Apollo
21 Sat – Hull, Connexin Live
23 Mon – Norwich, UEA
24 Tue – Swansea, Building Society Arena
26 Thu – Bournemouth, International Centre
27 Fri – Cambridge, Corn Exchange
28 Sat – Wolverhampton, The Halls
Tickets for the Kaiser Chiefs’ show here in Manchester, as well as all other nights live on Friday, 22 August from 9am; you can get ready to grab yours HERE.
We’ll see you there.
And until then, why not see what the lads had to say to our friends over at The Hoot when we interviewed them back in May?…
Featured Images — Cal McIntyre (supplied)/press shots/The Manc Group
Audio
Manchester Pride announces Nelly Furtado as surprise headliner
Daisy Jackson
Manchester Pride has just dropped another huge headliner for this year’s festival – and it’s only global pop superstar Nelly Furtado.
The huge LGBTQ+ festival, celebration and protest had kept its final headliner under wraps for months, but has today announced the Maneater star will be joining the line-up for 2025.
Nelly Furtado will co-headline Manchester Pride alongside Olly Alexander, with tickets for both the Gay Village Party and Mardi Gras already on sale.
Also announced on the line-up today are DJ Paulette and Moonchild Sanelly.
Manchester Pride 2025 will take place from Friday 22 to Monday 25 August, with four days of live music, celebrations, the parade, parties, and the candlelit vigil.
Already-announced headliners include Olly Alexander, Leigh-Anne, Billy Porter, and Tulisa, alongside loads more queer artists.
Nelly Furtado is known for her anthems like Maneater, Promiscuous and I’m Like A Bird, and will bring Mardi Gras to an uplifting, powerful end on Sunday 24 August.
Homegrown legend DJ Paulette will also join the Sunday Mardi Gras line-up, along with South African trailblazer Moonchild Sanelly on Friday at the Gay Village Party.
Mark Fletcher, CEO of Manchester Pride, said: “Welcoming an Icon like Nelly Furtado alongside DJ Paulette and Moonchild Sanelly further showcases the diversity of musical tastes that we’re catering for. They’re each sure to create some unforgettable moments.
“Manchester Pride 2025 will be bold, brilliant, and bursting with Pride energy, but it’s at a tipping point.
“Pride can only thrive if our community shows up: by attending events, joining the Parade, and buying supporter bands.
“We’ve seen what happens when we don’t rally together, and we cannot let that happen in our City. This is the moment to stand up, come together, party as a protest and ensure Pride continues to shine long into the future.”
For full-day line-ups and more information on Manchester Pride 2025, download the Manchester Pride app.
Thomas Melia -
14th October 2024 
