Vybz Kartel to Join Drake for Historic Wireless Festival Performance

London, UK – Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel is set to make his long-awaited return to the international stage, joining Drake for a groundbreaking performance at the 2025 Wireless Festival. The event, celebrating its 20th anniversary, will take place from July 11-13 at Finsbury Park in London, with the Toronto rapper headlining all three nights with unique setlists.

Kartel will take the stage on Sunday, July 13, sharing the spotlight with Nigerian superstar Burna Boy and Drake for what is expected to be one of the most electrifying performances in Wireless history. Currently in London with his fiancée, Sidem Öztürk, the dancehall legend confirmed his arrival with an Instagram post, writing:

“London we here! #GodistheGreatest,” alongside a video of him exiting Heathrow Airport.

Kartel’s inclusion in the Wireless Festival lineup marks a significant milestone in his career. The announcement follows his highly publicized release from prison last year, after spending 13 years behind bars. Acquitted by the Court of Appeal in July 2024, Kartel wasted no time reclaiming his position in the industry, celebrating his freedom with the Freedom Street concert in December.

The dancehall legend further cemented his comeback with a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, recognizing his album Party With Me, which was recorded while he was incarcerated. While the award ultimately went to Bob Marley: One Love – Music Inspired By The Film (Deluxe), Kartel made headlines attending the ceremony alongside Öztürk at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 2.

With his first major international festival appearance in over a decade, Kartel’s performance at Wireless 2025 is set to be a defining moment for dancehall music. Fans have long anticipated his return to the global stage, and his collaboration with Drake, a longtime admirer of his music, promises an unforgettable night. The two artists have expressed mutual respect over the years, with Drake crediting Kartel as a major influence on his sound.

Drake’s three-night headlining stint at Wireless will feature different guest lineups each night. On Friday, July 11, he will share the stage with PartyNextDoor and special guest Summer Walker, while Saturday, July 12, will see him perform with The Mandem.

The Toronto rapper is currently riding high on the success of his latest project, $ome$exy $ongs 4 U, a collaborative album with PartyNextDoor, released on Valentine’s Day, February 14. The project follows his 2023 album For All the Dogs and comes in the wake of his high-profile rap feud with Kendrick Lamar, who reignited tensions by performing his diss track Not Like Us during the Super Bowl Halftime Show on February 9.

With a lineup blending dancehall, hip-hop, and Afrobeats, Wireless 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark event in global music culture. Kartel’s return to the stage, alongside Drake and Burna Boy, is expected to be one of the most talked-about moments of the summer festival season.

Fans worldwide are eagerly counting down to July 13, when Vybz Kartel makes his triumphant return to the international spotlight.