Rapper Drake has been confirmed as the main performer for each of the three nights of this year’s Wireless festival.
This will mark his first performance in the UK in six years, as the One Dance creator is set to deliver a unique set each evening.
Wireless is marking its 20th anniversary and is coming back to Finsbury Park, London, from 11 to 13 July.
Additional artists scheduled to perform over the weekend include Burna Boy, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Summer Walker, and Vybz Kartel.
Drake has recently found himself involved in a rap feud with Super Bowl performer Kendrick Lamar.
The focus will once more be on the duo, as Kendrick has scheduled his UK tour for July, featuring a performance in Birmingham the evening before Drake’s initial show.
Although the feud dates back ten years, it has resurfaced in the past year with Kendrick’s Grammy-winning Not Like Us critique of Drake, who is also involved in an ongoing legal dispute.
Drake first headlined Wireless in 2012, as the festival claims he has the title “for the most requested artist by the audience.”
He just launched Some Sexy Songs 4 U, a collaborative album with fellow Canadian musician PARTYNEXTDOOR, who is set to perform on Friday.
Read more: Drake Files Defamation Lawsuit Against UMG Regarding Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’
On the same day, R&B artist Summer Walker will perform, having previously made a splash with her 2022 show at Finsbury Park.
On Sunday, Afrobeats legend Burna Boy will be making his debut at Wireless, alongside dancehall sensation Vybz Kartel who will also take the stage that day.
The Jamaican musician was released from incarceration last year after his murder conviction was annulled.
Where can the UK acts be found?
The anticipation of three nights with Drake has prompted a varied response from fans.
While some are thrilled to witness “history” in the making and believe his previous work is extensive enough to ensure each show has a unique sound, others have condemned the absence of UK performers.
“I believe three days aren’t necessary,” music enthusiast Rehea Shillingford informs BBC Newsbeat, stating she’s “not opposed to Drake.”
“Other British artists could have headlined,” she notes, mentioning names like Dave and J Hus who have previously taken the lead.
However, she is thrilled that Vybz Kartel will take the stage and believes he “could have been the main act.”
Megaman, a member of the garage and hip-hop group So Solid Crew, argues that although Drake is “the biggest artist in the world”, it is inappropriate to announce Wireless “without a UK artist”.
“It’s a UK brand, so I’d always appreciate having a leading UK artist in the initial promotional phase,” he shared with 1Xtra Breakfast’s Nadia Jae.
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“There are numerous prominent artists in the culture, so featuring any of them wouldn’t hurt.”
“We admire [Drake] for his contributions.” However, we are optimistic that he agrees and states: ‘I need to include a UK act in the lineup.’
The festival has assured that additional performances for the weekend will be revealed later.
Last year featured performances by artists such as Nicki Minaj, 21 Savage, J Hus, and Doja Cat.
Approximately 50,000 fans of rap, R&B, and hip-hop attend the event daily.
In 2023, Wireless secured a five-year agreement with Haringey Council for the festival to take place in Finsbury Park each summer through at least 2027.
