On Sunday evening, (July 13), Drake’s love letter to London concluded through the finale of his Wi-fi Competition takeover.
Whereas the primary two nights had been frontloaded with special guests comparable to Lauryn Hill, 21 Savage, Latto, Sexyy Crimson, Skepta, Central Cee and Bryson Tiller, attributable to Wi-fi’ onerous out, the finale lacked the identical stage of star energy. Unbothered by the point constraints, Drake performed facilitator and leaned on dancehall icon Vybz Kartel and Afrobeats celebrity Burna Boy to dictate the tempo in what was thought of a worldwide affair for these in attendance.
A sea of Jamaican flags flooded the gang — a becoming sight. Sunday marked Kartel’s first efficiency within the U.Okay in 20 years. After serving 13 years in jail, the Worl’ Boss was primed and prepared for a landmark efficiency even when that meant trimming Drake’s personal set. In accordance with the 6 God, Kartel’s return was the highest precedence, and he had ample time to shine.
“Right this moment, I actually needed to pay my respect to the performers. Bringing the Worl’ Boss dwelling to London after 20 years, ensuring that he bought time to headline his set. Bringing out Huge 7, Burna Boy and ensuring he bought his time to rock with y’all,” stated Drake.
Alongside Kartel’s fiery efficiency, Burna Boy introduced out Lauryn Hill and YG Marley, whereas Drake teased new music with Central Cee, slated to drop on Friday (July 18).
Take a look at Billboard’s finest moments from Drake’s Wi-fi Competition finale.
-
Vybz Kartel Makes His Presence Felt in London After 20-Yr Absence
On Sunday, Kartel’s victory lap continued when he carried out in London for the primary time in 20 years. Kartel, who served 13 years in jail, was visibly moved by the fanfare and pleasure surrounding his return.
“Twenty years I haven’t been right here. It’s a pleasure,” Kartel stated as he grinned.
The Worl’ Boss hasn’t misplaced a step. For greater than 90 minutes, he utilized stress, unleashing an arsenal of hits. Whether or not skating via “Image This” or teaming up with Spice for his or her on the spot traditional “Romping Store,” the island vibes had been alive and effectively. Past enjoying the hits, he additionally leaned on the youthful technology to maintain the gang lively, bringing out Moliy for her Sizzling 100 hit “Shake It to the Max.”
-
Burna Boy Shines Regardless of Brief Set
With Vybz Kartel proudly owning the evening, Burna Boy’s time was restricted. Nonetheless, Huge 7 didn’t shrink underneath stress, and he injected his signature aptitude into what was already proving to be a worldwide masterclass between Kartel, himself, Spice and Popcaan. As he walked onstage, there was a pseudo bar dubbed “Burna’s Saloon.” There, he served followers an overflow of hits, together with “Final Final,” “Metropolis Boys” and “Ye.” With the clock ticking, Burna had the gang swaying and mesmerized throughout his 30-minute set.
-
Lauryn Hill Makes Her Second Look of the Weekend
On Friday, Hill stole hearts when she appeared throughout Drake’s rousing evening 1 opener and delivered an indelible mash-up of “Ex-Issue” and “Good for What.” On Sunday, Hill doubled again at Finsbury Park throughout Burna Boy’s set. After seeing him and her son YG Marley crew up for the remix of “Reward Jah within the Moonlight,” Hill sauntered onstage, beaming with pleasure. After requesting an encore of the music, she handled followers to an impromptu a capella efficiency of “Killing Me Softly.”
-
Drake Teases New Tune With Central Cee
After teasing followers on Saturday, Drake let the cat out of the bag and previewed his new collaboration with Central Cee. “I’m about to play a brand new tune. Me and my brother Central Cee. Run it,” Drake informed the gang. The vitality was palpable as Cench smiled from the gang, nodding alongside whereas the music reverberated via the audio system. Anchored by bouncy home components and playful boasts, Drake and Cench show why they’re a formidable duo, particularly after their fiery 2024 On the Radar freestyle. “You need pals or success? Which one?” Drake raps on the monitor. In accordance with Drizzy, the music drops on Friday (July 18).
-
Drake Performs His Verse From Rihanna’s ‘Work’
Final 12 months, Drake dismissed the concept of performing Rihanna’s “Work” throughout his It’s All a Blur Tour, telling fans, “I don’t sing this music anymore. You may sing it for me.” On Sunday, regardless of steering away from Rihanna’s verse, he sang his verse from the 2016 Sizzling 100 chart-topper, making the second all of the extra noteworthy amid his feud with A$AP Rocky final 12 months.
-
Drake Brings Out Rema for a Fast Medley
Although Drake was quick on time, he had one final trick up his sleeve: Rema. The Nigerian celebrity didn’t waste a second as he carried out “Child (Is It a Crime).” The Sade-sampling monitor had followers entranced, regardless of the clock winding down on Drake’s set. Unbothered by the point crunch, Rema steamrolled via a fast medley that included Darkoo’s “Favorite Lady” and his international smash “Calm Down.”
-
Drake Has His Kodak Second With Central Cee, Vybz Kartel & Popcaan
Towards the top of his set, Drake paused to thank London for the its hospitality and for permitting him to carry his pals throughout The Pond. As he stood alongside Central Cee, Popcaan and Vybz Kartel — who all joined him throughout his efficiency of “Hotline Bling” — it was a snapshot of Drake’s international attain and talent to unite worlds via music.