Vybz Kartel to Headline Drake’s OVO Birthday Celebration in Toronto, October 26–27

Drake announces under his OVO brand that he is bringing dancehall icon Vybz Kartel to Toronto for a two-night birthday celebration. This marks Kartel’s first-ever performance in the city

Vybz Kartel with Drake during Wireless fest in July

Dancehall legend Vybz Kartel is set to headline Drake’s special OVO Birthday Celebration in Toronto on October 26–27, marking one of the most anticipated moments of his Worl’ Boss Tour. The announcement was made on Friday by the 6ix God himself via Instagram, where he confirmed that this will be Kartel’s first-ever performance in Toronto.

Kartel had initially listed dates for October 1–2 in Toronto on his official website, but those were recently deleted, keeping everything under wraps until the official announcement came after Drake wrapped up his nearly two-month-long “$ome $pecial $hows 4 UK EU” European tour. The timing also comes just a day after Kartel is slated to perform at the World Creole Music Festival in Dominica on October 25, underscoring his packed international schedule.

The two-night celebration will reportedly take place at the Scotiabank Arena, one of the city’s premier venues, and is expected to draw fans from across Canada and beyond. Tickets go on sale beginning September 30, with more special guests to be revealed in the weeks ahead.

This moment also underscores Drake’s continued admiration and respect for Vybz Kartel - an artist he has frequently credited as a major influence on his sound and persona. After the Wireless appearance, Drake expressed his sentiments, saying, “I want him to have the time he deserves.”

Speculation had been circulating ever since Drake hinted at the return of OVO Fest during a surprise appearance at Central Cee’s Toronto show on May 24, 2025. Standing on stage, he told the crowd: “OVO Fest coming back this year. We coming back real soon.” While no date was given at the time, many speculated an October staging, aligning with Drake’s birthday month and adding a deeper layer of significance.

Now, instead of OVO Fest, it will be Vybz Kartel headlining the two-night birthday celebration, with Drake and other special guests expected to join. The event is set to serve as a powerful finale to the Worl’ Boss’s defining comeback year after 13 years in prison, cementing it as one of the most talked-about moments in Toronto’s music history.