“You shaped all of our lives,” Drake told the dancehall star from a balcony stage
Vybz Kartel’s first concert in Toronto had a special guest — and performance. During the dancehall musician’s show at Scotiabank Arena Sunday night, hometown hero Drake appeared onstage to play an eight-song set in the middle of Kartel’s show.
Drake was spotted on a lower-level balcony, speaking to Kartel on the mainstage as the two interacted. He urged the crowd to raise their drinks for Kartel before performing. “Look at all these people right here, how much we’ve spent with this man’s music right here. I used to hand out flyers outside of a club called Escape just to go inside to the club and listen to your tunes,” Drake said. “So one more time, please as a city, as a family make some motherfucking noise.”
Drizzy then played a set of his biggest hits, including “Hotline Bling,” “Controlla,” “One Dance,” “Rich Baby Daddy,” “Which One,” “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” and “Signs.” During the set, Drake ended up walking to the stage to perform with Kartel.
“We’ve been rocking and praying and hoping for this day. So, I hope you understand tonight is not just about music. Tonight is not just about seeing two artists,” Drake said onstage, later adding: “Welcome home — we’re so grateful and happy to have you. You shaped all of our lives. Trust me, especially out here.”
Kartel and Drake have been friends for years now, and Drake’s OVO is actually presenting Kartel’s concerts in Canada this week. (He has two shows left on Monday and Thursday.) Kartel and Drake last linked up for a performance during his Wireless Festival takeover, when Kartel joined him onstage for a rendition of “Summer Time” in mid-July. The performances come ahead of the Canadian rapper’s forthcoming project, Iceman, which does not yet have a release date.
