Drake and Vybz Kartel Make History at Sold-Out Toronto Concert

UPDATE: In a historic moment for music fans, Drake welcomed Vybz Kartel to the stage on October 27, 2025, at the sold-out Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. This marks Kartel’s first-ever concert in Canada, making him the first Jamaican artist to achieve this milestone.

The atmosphere was electric as Drake recounted his teenage memories of promoting Kartel’s music outside Toronto’s now-defunct Escape Nightclub. “Look at all these people right here, how much time we’ve spent with this man’s music right here,” Drake declared to a frenzied crowd, highlighting the deep connection between the artists and their fans.

Vybz Kartel, clad in a vibrant Blue Jays jersey, kicked off the night with his remix of Akon’s 2004 hit “Locked Up.” The crowd erupted as he entered, waving a baseball bat and exclaiming, “Canada, we’re here!” His energy was palpable, defying his age and health challenges, as he performed hits like “Romping Shop” and “It Bend Like Banana.”

This concert series, presented by Drake’s OVO label, has been highly anticipated by Canadian fans, especially given Kartel’s tumultuous past. After a significant legal battle, his conviction was overturned in March 2024, allowing him to return to the stage and embark on a world tour.

Attendees expressed their disbelief at finally witnessing Kartel live. Daniella Mcleary, a devoted fan, noted, “I think everyone that’s Caribbean was trying to get here today. Toronto has such a big Caribbean community.” Others echoed her sentiments, with Brittney Sinclair calling Kartel a “national hero,” emphasizing the cultural significance of his performance.

“I tell you, tears came to my eyes because I’ve never been here before,” Kartel shared emotionally. “I know the people want to see me. I literally cried. Me, a grown-ass man. I said God is the greatest.”

The energy in Scotiabank Arena reflected the importance of this event. Sharda Persaud expressed her long-held wish to see Kartel perform in Canada, saying, “I feel like every memory in high school goes back to a Kartel song.”

While the concert celebrated dancehall music, some fans believe it underscores a larger issue: the genre’s underrepresentation in the Canadian mainstream. Sherry Singh remarked, “To see Vybz here, on our home turf, means a lot. This is a good first step, but we need to see more.”

As the night went on, the camaraderie among fans was evident, with many singing along to every word. This historic concert not only marked a comeback for Vybz Kartel but also solidified Drake’s role in elevating Caribbean music within the Canadian landscape.

Looking ahead, the remaining two shows of this series promise to continue the momentum, with fans eagerly anticipating more unforgettable moments. The excitement surrounding this event highlights the powerful bond between artists and their communities, making this a landmark occasion in Canadian music history.