Drake and Vybz Kartel Ignite Toronto with Historic Concert

Toronto witnessed a historic musical event on October 27, 2025, as Canadian rapper Drake welcomed Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel for his first-ever concert in Canada at the Scotiabank Arena. This marked a significant milestone, with Kartel becoming the first Jamaican artist to perform in this capacity at the venue. The concert was part of a series of three sold-out shows, eagerly awaited by fans across Canada.

Drake, who has often cited Kartel as a major influence, reminisced about his teenage years outside Toronto’s former Escape Nightclub, where he distributed flyers to gain entry to hear Kartel’s music. On this night, he surprised the audience by performing from a balcony, delivering hits such as “Controlla” and “Nokia,” igniting excitement among the crowd.

Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, is known for his controversial and influential presence in the dancehall genre. He rose to fame in the early 2000s, blending dancehall with hip-hop. Despite a life sentence stemming from a murder conviction in 2014, Kartel continued to release music, with several albums recorded secretly from prison. His conviction was overturned in March 2024 due to juror misconduct, leading to his release the following year.

Celebration of Culture and Resilience

At the concert, Kartel captivated the audience while dressed in a powder-blue Blue Jays jersey, complete with his nickname “Worl’ Boss” on the back. He opened with a remix of Akon’s 2004 hit “Locked Up,” eliciting an enthusiastic response from fans. “Canada, we’re here! Yo, big up Blue Jays,” he exclaimed, exuding high energy despite being nearly 50 years old and battling Graves’ disease.

Throughout the evening, he performed fan favorites like “Romping Shop” and “Go Go Wine,” prompting the audience to dance and sing along. Kartel shared an emotional moment, expressing how landing in Toronto earlier that day brought him to tears. “I tell you, tears came to my eyes because I’ve never been here before,” he reflected. “I literally cried. Me, a grown-ass man. I said God is the greatest.”

Many concertgoers expressed their disbelief at finally seeing Kartel perform in Canada. Daniella Mcleary, a long-time fan, shared her excitement, noting, “Toronto has such a big Caribbean community, especially Jamaican, so we’re all going to come together and vibe.” She believed Kartel could have easily sold out a larger venue like the Rogers Centre.

Brittney Sinclair, who was born in Jamaica, regarded Kartel as a national hero, emphasizing the significance of his presence in Canada. “I think it’s a miracle he’s here today,” she stated, highlighting the cultural impact of his music. For Sharda Persaud, Kartel’s music is deeply intertwined with her memories from high school, while Sherry Singh credited “Romping Shop” for bringing her and her partner together, illustrating the personal connections many fans have with his music.

A Step Forward for Dancehall in Canada

Despite the joyous atmosphere, some attendees felt that dancehall music has often been overlooked in the Canadian mainstream. Singh noted the importance of having Vybz Kartel perform on home turf, calling it “a good first step” while advocating for greater recognition of the genre.

The concert not only celebrated Kartel’s return to the stage but also highlighted the vibrant Caribbean community in Toronto. As fans danced and sang along, the event served as a testament to the enduring power of music to unite people and transcend barriers.

As Drake and Vybz Kartel continue their collaboration, the anticipation for their future performances remains high, promising more memorable moments for fans in Canada and beyond. This concert will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in the cultural landscape, bridging the gap between Jamaican and Canadian music scenes.