Vybz Kartel Makes Canadian Debut in Toronto Amid Sold-Out Shows; Jamie Fine and PinkPantheress Tour Across Canada
Toronto, Canada — Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel is set to make his highly anticipated Canadian debut this week with three sold-out shows at Scotiabank Arena, presented by OVO. The Jamaican artist, a defining figure in dancehall since the early 2000s, has maintained a devoted following in Toronto, a city deeply influenced by Jamaican culture.
The shows sparked controversy during ticket sales, with resale prices quickly surpassing $1,000, highlighting Kartel’s continued global appeal. Many fans initially assumed his Toronto dates were part of Drake’s returning OVO Fest, a misconception the Canadian rapper clarified on social media. “It's his tour and a moment I am so proud to be a part of and enjoy with the city,” Drake wrote on Instagram, teasing a possible stage appearance.
Kartel’s Canadian visit follows his return to the stage in late 2024 after serving 13 years in prison for murder—a conviction he has consistently disputed. During incarceration, he secretly recorded and released five projects that reached the top 10 of the Billboard Reggae Albums chart. “There was no time to be weak. You just fight the case and do the right thing,” Kartel told Billboard earlier this year.
Since regaining his visa in January 2025, Kartel has performed at major festivals and stadiums, including Drake’s Wireless Festival set, celebrated his first Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album for Party With Me EP, and released a new single, “Pretty Girls,” signaling a new era in his career.
In addition to Kartel’s Toronto shows, Canada’s live music scene is busy this week. Canadian rock band Big Wreck performs an intimate show in Toronto three days before Kartel hits the stage, while Montreal’s Ariane Moffatt takes her hometown stage. Ottawa-born Jamie Fine tours Western Canada, and British pop star PinkPantheress brings her energetic three-night residency to Toronto, offering fans a blend of contemporary pop and alt-pop flair.
Tickets for Kartel’s Toronto shows remain a hot commodity, reflecting the artist’s enduring influence and the city’s long-standing connection to dancehall culture.
