OVO Brings Dancehall Star Vybz Kartel to Toronto for His First-Ever Concerts in Canada: Concerts of the Week

This week, Vybz Kartel is hitting the stage in Toronto for the first time at Scotiabank Arena, presented by OVO. The Jamaican dancehall artist is set to perform three sold-out shows, which stirred their fair share of controversy during ticket sales.

Three days prior, Canadian rock band Big Wreck will perform an intimate show in Toronto, while Ariane Moffatt is scheduled for a hometown show in Montreal. Ottawa-native Jamie Fine is set to shine across Western Canada, and American rock icon David Byrne performs a "once in a lifetime" show at Toronto's Massey Hall.

Concert of the Week

Vybz Kartel, Scotiabank Arena, Toronto — October 26-27, 30

Vybz Kartel is setting foot on Canadian soil for the first time. The beloved dancehall artist is playing three sold-out shows at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, presented by OVO.

Kartel has been a defining and leading figure in the dancehall scene since the early 2000s, maintaining a cult following in the city as Toronto's musical identity has often been influenced by Jamaican culture, inspiring artists like Drake, who is bringing Kartel to the city. Many fans assumed Kartel was headlining the Toronto rapper’s returning OVO Fest, which he quickly clarified was not the case.

“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. “Champagne Bday Celebrations with the Worl Boss and The Boy. Of course I might have to step and buss some shells pon stage.”

Still, tickets for Kartel’s Canadian debut went quickly, with resale tickets quickly exceeding $1,000. It’s a common occurrence for the dancehall star, who continues to sell out shows globally since his return to the stage at the end of 2024, following a 13-year incarceration for murder (he's always maintained his innocence).

Behind bars, Kartel never stopped making music — secretly recording and releasing five projects that would reach 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,” he told Billboard in a cover story at the beginning of the year.

Since his visa was reinstated in Janaury, he has showed no signs of slowing down, including attending this year’s Grammys, to celebrate his first career nomination for best reggae album (2024’s Party With Me EP), performing at various festivals and stadiums — including a stint at Drake’s third day of Wireless Festival — and releasing a new single “Pretty Girls,” marking the start of a new era. Now, he’s embarking on his first Canadian shows and the crowd is ready to go.

Tickets are available here.

More Canadian Concerts of the Week

David Byrne, Massey Hall, Toronto — October 21-23

The ever-inventive 73-year-old art-rock pioneer is all about optimism these days and has created a live show that is set to leave fans smiling and energized. In support of his record, Who Is The Sky?, listeners should gear up for an evening of the Talking Heads alum's charming quirks, choreographed dance moves and colourful instruments. With decade-spanning hits like "Once in a Lifetime" and "Burning Down the House," prepare to be transported to a sonic and visual heaven during the three-night stay at Massey Hall.

Tickets are available here.

Big Wreck, Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto — October 23

Canadian rock band Big Wreck have been climbing Billboard Canada Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, with “Believer,” which sits at No. 3. Now, they’re bringing songs from their new album, The Rest of the Story, out this Friday (Oct. 24) on Sonic Unyon. Ahead of the release, fans get to be a part of the group’s release night celebration.

Tickets are available here.

Ariane Moffatt, MTELUS, Montreal — October 23

Acclaimed Québecois singer-songwriter and classically trained powerhouse Ariane Moffatt will enchant fans with her signature blend of energetic synth-pop, deeply emotional vocals and captivating audiovisual staging. In support of her newest album, Airs de jeux, Moffatt will perform fan favourites like “Jouer” and “Réverbère,” showcasing a vibrant night of contemporary francophone music.

Tickets are available here.

Jamie Fine, The Palace Theatre, Calgary — October 24, Hollywood Theatre, Vancouver — October 27

Canadian pop singer-songwriter Jamie Fine is bringing her captivating on-stage presence to the West Coast. It’s a safe bet that she’ll perform her new Airplay charting track “Homesick,” a pop ballad that is charting on multiple Billboard Canada Airplay charts: at No. 30 on Hot AC and No. 35 on CHR/Top 40. “The long flights or drives are mostly tough for me and forgetting what city I'm waking up in removes a lot of my sense of stability,” she wrote of touring. “But then I get on stage and every single one of you feel like my home and my safe place.”

Tickets are available here.