Drake is making a big return to the UK after six years, and he’s not returning alone. He’s making history as the first artist to headline all three nights of the Wireless Festival and on July 13, he’s bringing Afrobeat powerhouse Burna Boy with him. This marks Burna’s first-ever Wireless Festival appearance and his only UK festival performance of the summer.
Burna Boy’s meteoric rise has made him one of Africa’s most influential musical stars. His Grammy-winning album Twice as Tall (2020) solidified his place among the world’s top-tier artists, and he has consistently sold out arenas worldwide. His 2023 “I Told Them” tour made him the first African artist to headline a US stadium show.
Wireless Festival will be another milestone in his career, reinforcing his status as one of the most electrifying live performers today. Sharing the stage with Drake, he’ll introduce even more fans to the power of Afrobeats on one of the world’s biggest festival platforms.
Drake and Burna Boy share a history that stretches back nearly a decade. Their first major link-up came in 2017 when Burna Boy contributed to Drake’s “More Life” playlist project, providing inspiration for tracks like “Get It Together.” Though the collaboration remained behind the scenes, it set the stage for future partnerships.
In 2019, Burna Boy featured on “Won’t Be Late,” a single by Swae Lee, produced by Drake’s longtime collaborator, Tekno. While the two artists haven’t officially released a joint track under both names, their creative exchanges have influenced each other’s music. Now, they will share the stage at Wireless, giving fans the live collaboration they’ve been waiting for. In another news, iNaijanow shared a post of Tems becoming the first Nigerian with an MLS co-ownership.
Drake’s decision to headline all three nights of Wireless is a strategic move. Aside from curating a unique experience for his fans, delivering different setlists each night. It’s also a response to Kendrick Lamar’s superbowl performance that threw a jab at Drake, leading to a legal battle between both artists.
By bringing Burna Boy on board, Drake is making a statement of his unique ability to embrace and blend across different genres. Over the years, he has championed UK rap, dancehall, and Afrobeats. His Wireless Festival sets reflect this diversity, and Burna Boy’s inclusion highlights the growing importance of African music on the global stage.
Fans can anticipate an explosive night when Burna Boy steps onto the Wireless stage.. Whether he performs hits like “Last Last,” “Ye,” or “Sittin’ on Top of the World,” the crowd will experience the raw power of African music in real time.
Burnaboy isn’t the only guest artist gracing the festival, joining them is PARTYNEXTDOOR, one of Drake’s OVO Sound label, whose R&B style has captivated listeners worldwide.. Summer Walker, another R&B powerhouse, brings her neo-soul vibes to the festival. On the lineup also is Vybz Kartel, the dancehall king. Known for his raw energy and hit songs like “Clarks,” Kartel’s return to Europe for this festival is eagerly anticipated.
Wireless Festival 2025 promises to be a landmark event, uniting hip-hop and Afrobeats under one roof. With Drake, Burna Boy, PND and Vybz sharing the stage, history will be made in London.
Disclaimer: The opinions, views, and information expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of iNaijanow. The company assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or damages arising from the use of this information. Abisola Ige is a seasoned content writer with experience in crafting engaging and quality articles across various niches. She is passionate about creating impactful content that informs and inspires readers.
