Drake Welcomes “World Boss” Vybz Kartel “Home” During First-Ever Show In Canada
Written by b87fm on 10/27/2025
Drake gave dancehall legend Vybz Kartel an emotional welcome onstage during the artist’s first-ever performance in Canada, marking a historic moment for fans and Caribbean music culture.
On Sunday night (October 26), the World Boss kicked off the first of three sold-out OVO-produced shows at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Midway through Kartel’s high-energy set, Drake made a surprise appearance, stepping out to roaring cheers as he paid tribute to one of his biggest musical influences.
“Look at all these people right here, how much time we’ve spent with this man’s music,” Drake said, according to Coast Reporter. “We’ve been waiting to see you our whole lives. Welcome home — we’re so happy to have you.”
When the 6 God shows up for the World Boss! Drake touched the stage to big up Vybz Kartel during his first-ever Canadian show. 🇯🇲🇨🇦 #VybzKartel #Dancehall #Toronto pic.twitter.com/TT03knFiwF
— Now Toronto (@nowtoronto) October 27, 2025
Drake’s speech at Vybz Kartel first ever show in Toronto pic.twitter.com/HqLGP4EQFr
— brokencool (@brokencool) October 27, 2025
Kartel, rocking a Toronto Blue Jays jersey, ran through a catalog of fan-favorite hits as the crowd sang every lyric. The Jamaican superstar’s performance marked his first time in Canada since his release from prison last year.
The artist — born Adidja Azim Palmer — was sentenced to life in 2014 for murder, but the conviction was overturned in 2024. Despite his incarceration, Kartel famously kept his career alive by releasing new music from behind bars.
Drake, who has long credited Vybz Kartel as an inspiration behind his island-infused sound, later performed his own string of hits, including “Controlla,” “One Dance,” “Hotline Bling,” and “NOKIA.”
Kartel’s Toronto performance follows a whirlwind comeback year that’s seen him tour major cities like Miami and New York, and collaborate with DJ Khaled, Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, and Mavado on the smash single “You Remind Me.”
Watch scenes from Vybz Kartel’s historic Toronto show featuring Drake below.
Vybz Kartel live for the first ever time in Toronto pic.twitter.com/zs6dmzj50y
— Drake Direct (@DrakeDirect_) October 27, 2025
Bruhhh I am so exhausted.
This was one hell of a concert.
Vybz Kartel aka WORLD BOSS did his first show tonight and omg the stadium was PACKED. Not a single empty seat.
And Octobers Very Own (Drake) made an appearance, and the whole stadium lost their minds (me included 🤣) pic.twitter.com/osRj1bM6Sr— neverlyy (@neverlandy_) October 27, 2025
Drake popped out at the Vybz Kartel Day 1 show in Toronto and did a short performance for the city🔥🦉#vybzkartel #toronto #drake #muchmusic pic.twitter.com/QyDWsGoMsT
— MuchMusic (@Much) October 27, 2025
Drake performing Signs at OVO presents at Vybz Kartel show 10/26 pic.twitter.com/gEfD1FI8wZ
— Kermit (@BKid704) October 27, 2025
Drake made a surprise appearance at the Vybz Kartel Toronto Show. pic.twitter.com/BSE6qBb87h
— Karabo🦉 (@_kaysway_) October 27, 2025
