“Making Sure He Got His Time to Headline”: Drake Puts Vybz Kartel as Top Priority at Wireless

The 6 God made sure the dancehall legend got his well-deserved time on stage. “I really wanted to pay my respect to the performers,” he explained, after his first of two planned sets quietly disappeared from the schedule. He later brought out Kartel for a brief cameo during his own set, before waving to the 50,000 fans as Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” echoed through the speakers

Drake and Vybz Kartel share mutual respect on the Wireless Stage (Photo: Wireless)

Global megastar Drake gave his full respect to the Worl' Boss Vybz Kartel on the third and final night of Wireless 2025, where he headlined all three days of the festival alongside a powerhouse lineup of special guests.

For 6 God fans, it was a can’t-miss event, his first UK performance in six years. However, Drake made it clear that Kartel’s return was the top priority, as the Worl’ Boss took the UK stage for the first time in 20 years and for the first time since being released from prison, ensuring he had enough time to treat fans to a proper performance.

Earlier in the day, the official setlist advertised two Drake sets, one at 18:25 and another at 20:55. However, the first planned set didn’t happen, allowing scheduled performances from Vybz Kartel and Burna Boy to proceed in their designated time slots.

“Today, I really wanted to pay my respect to the performers. Bringing the Worl’ Boss home to London after 20 years, making sure that he got time to headline his set. Bringing out Big 7, Burna Boy and making sure he got his time to rock with y’all,” said Drake.

After Burna Boy wrapped up his set, Drake took the stage just minutes later, bringing out Vybz Kartel for a brief cameo. Kartel entered to his Gold-certified hit “Fever” and delivered a short but memorable set. Dancehall star Popcaan also joined Drake onstage for a fiery rendition of “Controlla.”

Drake later told the crowd, “London, I will love you for the rest of my life,” as he powered through a medley of fan favorites.

For the third night in a row, he closed the show by climbing onto a crane, waving to the 50,000-strong crowd as Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” echoed across Finsbury Park.