Toronto, ON — From Sunday, October 26 through October 30, Scotiabank Arena will host Vybz Kartel for his first performances ever in Toronto, under the banner of OVO Presents. This marks a historic moment: Drake has officially revived OVO Fest in 2025 and will spotlight Kartel during the festival’s Toronto stint.
Why It Matters
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A debut long in coming. Although Vybz Kartel has toured globally, he has never before performed in Toronto. His arrival under the OVO Fest banner makes this more than just a concert — it’s a watershed cultural moment.
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OVO Fest revival. After a break, Drake is bringing OVO Fest back to Toronto. One of the biggest headliners already confirmed is Kartel, giving the festival renewed star power and global reach.
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Dancehall meets Earth on a global stage. For Toronto’s Caribbean diaspora and reggae/dancehall fans, this is a much-anticipated consolidation of culture and music on one of Canada’s biggest stages.
What to Expect
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Setlist deep dive. Expect high-energy renditions of Kartel’s catalog — tracks like “Clarks,” “Romping Shop,” “Fever,” “Mhm Hm,” “Summertime,” “Never Leave Me Alone,” among others — along with crowd favorites and potential new material.
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Showtime & format. Official listing shows Oct 26, 27 & 30 at 8:00 PM for OVO Presents Vybz Kartel at Scotiabank Arena.
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Production & spectacle. With the weight of OVO Fest behind it, expect a full production: lighting, visuals, stage effects, possibly surprise guests (other OVO-affiliated artists) and Drake cameo potential.
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Crowd & energy. The Arena is apt for an immersive, high-energy dancehall experience — expect pyro, smoke, bass, and a crowd ready to move.
Show Details (So Far)
| Category | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | OVO Presents: Vybz Kartel |
| Dates | Sunday, Oct 26, 27, 30 |
| Time | 8:00 PM (doors TBD) |
| Venue | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto |
| Tickets & Pricing | Tickets available via Live Nation. |
| Lineup | Vybz Kartel headlining; associated with Drake / OVO Fest |
What to Watch For (and Why You Should Be Hyped)
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Cross-genre clash. Drake’s connection to dancehall (e.g. via Jamaican influences in his music) sets a backdrop for Kartel’s Toronto debut to feel symbolic — bridging hip-hop, rap, and Caribbean roots.
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Cultural resonance. For Toronto’s Caribbean community, this is more than entertainment: it’s recognition. Kartel’s presence echoes deep rhythms in the city’s cultural identity.
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Guest surprises. Given OVO Fest’s history, expect potential surprise appearances — Drake, fellow OVO or dancehall artists could join on stage.
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First impressions last. Kartel’s performance in Toronto sets the tone: if the production, energy, and delivery are tight, these nights may reverberate for years.
🎶 The Soundtrack is GTA Weekly’s weekly concert preview — your backstage pass to the biggest live music moments across the GTA. Follow @GTAWeeklyNews for more Entertainment updates. #GTAWeekly #TheSoundtrack
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