Vybz Kartel performs at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan)
Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel shut down Toronto with his first of three shows in the city, and while fans left in awe, some were disappointed by the shortened set time.
The “Fever” singer commanded the Scotiabank Arena stage on Sunday evening, delivering a high-energy set that had fans on their feet and gun fingers in the air from start to finish.
Kartel’s historic three-night stint marks his first time ever performing in Canada, a long-awaited chance for fans to catch the dancehall mega star on stage following his 2024 prison release. Fans shared with Now Toronto what his presence in the 6ix means to them before the show.
“We’ve been screaming ‘Free World Boss’ for so long, but never thought it would actually happen,” Sarah Donaldson said. “We couldn’t miss it.”
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. We had to be here,” Rachel Donaldson added.
“Vybz Kartel has been gone for many many years… so this is very big for our city,” longtime fan Samantha Smith said, dressed in a “Teacha’s Pet” uniform, an ode to Kartel’s early 2000s reality show. “It was very important as a Jamaican to be here and represent the Gaza.”
@nowtoronto History in the making! Excited fans outside of Vybz Kartel’s first-ever show in Canada are sharing why the World Boss means everything to dancehall culture. 🇯🇲🔥 #VybzKartel #Toronto #Dancehall ♬ original sound – Now Toronto
The night kicked off with a lively performance from LTL, a rising Toronto-based dancehall group that set the tone for the evening.
Crowds erupted when Kartel emerged on stage from a prison cell, donning a custom Toronto Blue Jays jersey with World Boss written on the back, as well as a baseball bat. The King of Dancehall performed timeless hits including, “Dollar Sign,” “Romping Shop,” and “Clarks.”
@nowtoronto Listen to the crowd! Torontonians are turning up to Vybz Kartel’s first-ever performance of mega hit “Romping Shop” in the city. 🇯🇲🔥 #VybzKartel #Toronto #Dancehall ♬ original sound – Now Toronto
Midway through the show, the audience got an unexpected treat when Drake popped out, sending the crowd into a frenzy with a heavy-hitting impromptu eight-song set. The duo also exchanged heartfelt words of mutual respect.
“Tonight isn’t just about music… this is finally a man getting the flowers and love he deserves,” Drake said, in a toast to Kartel. “Welcome home.”
“Big up Toronto, big up Drake. Love you my brother,” Kartel said as the pair shared the stage toward the finale.
@nowtoronto When the 6 God shows up for the World Boss! Drake touched the stage to big up Vybz Kartel during his first-ever Canadian show. 🇯🇲🇨🇦 #VybzKartel #Dancehall #Toronto ♬ original sound – Now Toronto
Most fans left raving about the performance, some emphasizing that the night was a once in a lifetime experience.
“That was one of the best nights of my entire life,” Aisha Louis told Now Toronto after the concert. “Overall, 10 out of 10 experience.”
But reactions were mixed among the crowd. Some concertgoers felt the show was too short, noting that Kartel came out closer to 10 p.m., as opposed to the expected 9 p.m. call time.
“It ended at 11 p.m.,” Tashana Watts said, adding that she had higher expectations especially after attending Freedom Street in Jamaica, Kartel’s very first concert after his release from prison. “He did what he had to do for today, but had he started a little earlier, I think we would have gotten a little bit more.”
Toronto fan Trl D. King described the concert as “amazing,” but had one piece of advice for the World Boss: “Bring women dancers for the girl songs!”
Still, plenty of attendees praised the production, Kartel’s commanding presence, and the unforgettable Drake cameo.
“The show was good, the vibes were nice, it just needed to be longer,” one concertgoer said alongside her friend.
“We love Kartel either way, that’s our artist,” the friend echoed.
Kartel continues his Toronto takeover tonight at Scotiabank Arena, with the final show set for Oct. 30. Tickets for both shows are available here.
