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Montreal

'Refugees can't go back home': Wyclef Jean addresses asylum seekers in surprise jam

Haitian-born international superstar performed at Plaza St-Hubert at 4 p.m. as a part of the Montreal's 375th anniversary celebrations.

Haitian-born superstar offered a free show in Plaza St-Hubert Friday afternoon

International superstar Wyclef Jean performed in a surprise show celebrating Montreal's 375th in Plaza Saint-Hubert Friday. (CBC)

Crowds filled the street at Plaza St-Hubert as international superstar WyclefJean took the stage in Montreal in a surprise show Friday afternoon.

In the set, Jean, who is originally from Haiti, addressed the scores of Haitian nationals seeking asylum by crossing the borderinto Canada outside ports of entry,following the threat of their protected status in the U.S. expiring next year.

"To the refugees that's in the dome, DonaldTrump made a promise," Jean sang in a freestyle, alluding to the U.S. president's campaign trail assertion last year in Miami that he wanted to be Haitians' "greatest champion."

"Please, DonaldTrump, keep your promise because the refugees can't go back home. Imean, out inHaiti, they can't take 50,000people after the earthquake," he rapped.

Jean referred to the number of Haitian nationals under the temporary protected status (TPS) in the U.S., which was granted following the 2010 earthquake that ravaged much of the small country and killed more than 200,000 people.

The name of the hip-hop group Jeanrose to fame with, TheFugees, comes from the word "refugee," which he toldRolling Stonein 1996was used derogatorily towards Haitian-Americans.

The award-winning musician also sang about the recent white supremacists rallies in the U.S. in the jam, telling the crowd"I love Canada, the people are so nice. IloveAmerica,but things are crazy right now."

Hesharedthe stagealong the plaza strip withmusicians Marie-Jose Lord andMlanie Renaud,near the intersection ofSt-Hubert and St-Zotiquestreets right beside Kwizinn Restaurant.

They sang hits includingNo Woman, No CryandMaria, Maria.

The City of Montreal's 375thcommitteeannounced earlier in the daythe musicianwouldbe performing at Plaza St-Hubert at 4 p.m as a part of its anniversary celebrations.

Jean will also be performing Saturday as part ofMontralSymphoniqueat 9 p.m. at the intersection of Pine andParcavenues.