Vybz Kartel electrified Toronto’s Scotiabank Area Sunday night time (October 26) as he launched his first-ever Canadian live performance, and Drake made the second even greater by stepping in for a shock efficiency that left the group roaring.
The Vybz Kartel present marked the primary of three sold-out nights on the area, making him the primary Jamaican artist to achieve that milestone on the venue.
Wearing full Toronto Blue Jays gear, Kartel stormed the stage to his remix of Akon’s “Locked Up,” swinging a baseball bat and carrying a powder-blue jersey stitched with “Worl’ Boss” on the again.
“Canada, we’re right here!” he shouted. “Yo, huge up Blue Jays.”
Vybz Kartel reppin’ Blue Jays! Go Jays! Go!! 🐦🌎 #vybzkartel3peat pic.twitter.com/bM9YdwKeUR
— MuchMusic (@A lot) October 27, 2025
The 49-year-old dancehall veteran, who’s been navigating life with Graves’ illness, didn’t maintain again.
He powered via hits like “Romping Store,” “It Bend Like Banana” and “Go Go Wine” whereas the viewers danced and sang alongside word-for-word.
Take heed to the group! Torontonians are turning as much as Vybz Kartel’s first-ever efficiency of mega hit “Romping Store” within the metropolis. 🇯🇲🔥 #VybzKartel #Toronto #Dancehall pic.twitter.com/u4FzJLQ50y
— Now Toronto (@nowtoronto) October 27, 2025
Drake carried out “Controlla” and “Nokia” and shared a private reminiscence of his early days as a young person exterior the now-closed Escape Nightclub.
“Have a look at all these folks proper right here, how a lot time we’ve spent with this man’s music proper right here,” he instructed the group.
Drake giving Vybz Kartel his flowers on stage throughout his first ever present in Toronto pic.twitter.com/cqV9vV0BEB
— Drake Direct (@DrakeDirect_) October 27, 2025
Drake Offers Vybz Kartel His Flowers
In one other heartfelt second, Drake instructed the group, “Tonight is not only about music. Tonight is not only about seeing two artists. That is lastly a person getting the flowers and love that he deserves. Welcome dwelling.”
Drake giving Vybz his flowers.
Vybz pouring out photographs for the group, toasting to Drake, the town & the Blue Jays 🇨🇦🥹#WANTITALL pic.twitter.com/LrJB9IY3SA
— a – p o x (@A______POX) October 27, 2025
The live performance was introduced by Drake’s OVO label, persevering with the partnership between the 2 artists that started earlier this yr when Kartel joined Drake on stage at London’s Wi-fi Competition.
Kartel’s return to the stage follows a dramatic authorized reversal. After serving almost a decade behind bars for a 2014 homicide conviction, his case was overturned in March 2024 resulting from juror misconduct.
He was launched later that yr and shortly resumed his profession, incomes a Grammy nomination and launching a worldwide tour.
The Toronto exhibits symbolize a full-circle second for each artists — one who grew up idolizing the opposite, and one who lastly stepped onto Canadian soil after a long time of affect.
Kartel’s subsequent two exhibits at Scotiabank Area are scheduled for later this week.
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