Cocoa Mode

8
August
2007

Shawna Renee’s interview with Lauryn Hill

I’ve been thinking a lot about Lauryn lately. You may have seen the video of an interview she did over in Europe on your favorite blog, or how about the pictures from her recent performances here in the U.S? After reading the comments posted by readers on one of my favorite entertainment blogs, Crunk & Disorderly (warning: Miss Fresh is not for the tame or easily offended!) I realize many of her fans are torn. Some are done, while others are hoping and praying the she emerges from the fog a stronger woman. Either way we’re all waiting for new music…an album…heck, I’ll take another single..I just want to hear SOMETHING!!!!

Anyhow, one of the defining moments in my career came in 2005 while covering the Bob Marley concert in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The entire Marley clan was there including Lauryn who performed at the free concert in the city center. The next day Lauryn agreed to sit down with my crew for an interview. I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous in my life (you can hear it in my voice), just minutes before our interview began I heard her screaming at a French reporter. I don’t know why she was screaming or what she was saying but it scared me. Once we settled into her hotel room (at the luxurious Sheraton Addis hotel) she seemed calm and receptive. Not only did she answer my questions with care and honesty but she sang not one but two songs for us!!! Unreleased songs!!!! It was during the first song that a wave of emotion hit me…I started crying like a baby!! There I was in Africa, being serenaded by one of my creative idols. I kept thinking “Thank you God for my life”. The Marley family arranged for documentary to be shot during the event so I know there’s video footage of this exchange somewhere out there but for now you’ll have to settle for the audio.

I don’t know what’s going on with Lauryn, all I know is she has seen things that many of us will never know. I pray that she finds her way before it’s too late…I have faith that she will. Above all else, I thank her for helping to create on of the most incredible moments of my life.

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