Canadian rap heavyweight Drake is setting the stage for a monumental summer. During a surprise appearance at Central Cee’s concert in Toronto on Saturday, May 24, the OVO Sound boss thrilled fans with a long-awaited update: OVO Fest is officially returning in 2025. “I’ll see you this summer, by the way,” Drake told the cheering crowd from a balcony at HISTORY Toronto. “OVO Fest will be back this year.” He then turned to Central Cee and added, “We’ll need you there for that,” hinting at a powerful international lineup.
In addition to the announcement, Drake surprised fans with a performance of “Nokia,” the breakout hit from his joint project with PartyNextDoor titled $ome $exy $ongs 4 U. This added to the excitement of the night and sent social media into a frenzy.
The OVO Fest’s return is a major cultural moment. Traditionally held on the first weekend in August, the festival coincides with Toronto’s iconic Caribana festival, a celebration of Caribbean culture and traditions. Since its debut in 2010—where it featured hip-hop legends Jay-Z and Eminem—OVO Fest has become a must-attend global music event. Past performers include The Weeknd, J. Cole, and A$AP Rocky. The last edition was in 2022, when Drake reunited with Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj, and welcomed Canadian icons Kardinal Offishall and Nelly Furtado to the stage.
Drake announced OVOFest will return in 2025 ? pic.twitter.com/WdptopZbxM
— Drake Charts ⁶? (@DrakeChart) May 25, 2025
This latest update came just weeks after Drake gifted dancehall icon Vybz Kartel a custom OVO Owl chain, celebrating the deejay’s sold-out shows at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. The symbolic moment reaffirms Drake’s deep-rooted connection to Caribbean music and his continuous effort to uplift dancehall on global platforms.
Adding fuel to the buzz, Drake confirmed he’s currently working on a new solo album—his first since For All the Dogs in 2023. In a livestream with internet personality Adin Ross, he casually shared, “Working on a new album, it’s a slap.” Known for his genre-fusing projects and cultural foresight, Drake’s upcoming release, now close to completion, is expected to carry forward his legacy of innovation and impact.
With OVO Fest’s comeback, a new album on the horizon, and his ties to the Caribbean culture stronger than ever, Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a defining moment in Drake’s evolving legacy.
