Vybz Kartel Shares Stage With Drake In For The First Time
Vybz Kartel has made a historic return to the global stage after spending 13 years in prison. Freed in July 2024 following the overturning of his murder conviction due to juror misconduct, Kartel wasted no time reclaiming his position as the Worl’ Boss. Within months, he earned a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album and launched a record breaking world tour.
His Toronto debut marked a milestone — becoming the first Jamaican artist to perform three sold-out shows at Scotiabank Arena, with fans paying thousands to witness his first Canadian appearance.
Kartel’s Toronto shows were presented by Drake’s OVO brand, solidifying a long-standing mutual admiration between the two artists. Drake called Kartel’s performance “a proud moment” for the city and joined him onstage to celebrate his 39th birthday, gifting him a diamond-studded OVO chain. The collaboration between the two has expanded beyond music — Kartel and Drake launched a Nocta x Nike apparel collection that sold out instantly, with hints of future releases to come. Kartel credited Drake for his swift action in making the Toronto partnership happen and confirmed plans to return for more shows, stating, “If it’s not broken, why fix it?”
Vybz Kartel Video
Reflecting on sharing the stage with Drake, Kartel said he was “in amazement” at the energy and love Drake receives from his fans. He praised Toronto’s vibrant support for dancehall, ranking it among his top five markets alongside the U.S., U.K., Kenya, and Costa Rica. As Kartel continues to rebuild his career, his story — from prison to
