Erykah Badu Celebrates Roberta Flack's Legacy

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Erykah Badu Honors Roberta Flack During Experimental DJ Set in London

Erykah Badu took a moment to pay tribute to R&B legend Roberta Flack during a unique and experimental DJ set in London for her birthday. The celebrated singer honored Flack by performing a soulful rendition of “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” a track famously popularized by The Fugees but originally written and recorded by Flack herself. The homage was a beautiful nod to the late singer, who passed away on February 24, with her cause of death still undisclosed.

During her DJ set, Badu expressed gratitude towards the opening DJ, Keyrahh, and introduced renowned producer Rashad Smith to the crowd. She also took the opportunity to share her admiration for Flack’s profound influence on music, pointing out that the lyrics to “Afro Blue” were originally penned by Flack. Badu praised the singer’s enduring legacy, which continues to shape and inspire artists across generations.

Adding an element of spontaneity to the evening, Badu revealed that she was under the influence of mushrooms while curating her experimental set, a detail that added a layer of unpredictability to the night. She also engaged the crowd in an impromptu Q&A session, where she discussed various topics, including the meaning behind Yasiin Bey’s track “Umi Says” and her aspirations to pursue a comedy career.

In addition to the tribute and thought-provoking discussions, the night also celebrated Badu’s recent win at the 2025 Grammys, where she received her first Grammy in two decades for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her collaboration on “3:AM” with Rapsody.

With her eclectic DJ set, candid reflections, and creative energy, Erykah Badu continued to demonstrate why she remains a multi-faceted artist and cultural icon. Her tribute to Roberta Flack not only honored the late singer’s contributions to music but also solidified Badu’s own unique place in the ever-evolving music scene.

Source: NME