London’s Wireless Festival marked a monumental return on Friday, July 11, 2025, celebrating its 20th anniversary with one of its most iconic performers, Drake, taking center stage. This year, the festival witnessed an unprecedented moment as Drake headlined all three nights, a feat no artist had accomplished before. Known for his deep ties to the festival, Drake first graced the Wireless stage in 2012, made a triumphant return in 2015, and surprised fans with a cameo in 2021. Now, in 2025, he’s back with a commanding presence, setting the tone for what promises to be a historic weekend in London’s music scene.
The opening night was a heartfelt homage to R&B, a genre that has profoundly influenced Drake’s artistry. The setlist was a carefully curated journey through his career and the wider R&B landscape, featuring deep cuts and fan favorites alike. Drake’s vocal stamina was on full display as he delivered B-side classics such as "Jaded" and "Jungle," captivating the crowd with his smooth transitions and emotive performances. The night was not just a solo showcase; it was a celebration of R&B’s rich tapestry, featuring collaborations with some of the genre’s most beloved artists.
Among the special guests were millennial heartthrobs Mario and Bobby Valentino, who joined Drake on stage to perform their signature hits "Let Me Love You" and "Slow Down," respectively. Their appearances added a nostalgic flair, reminding fans of the early 2000s R&B heyday. Bryson Tiller, known for his TrapSoul sound, also made a notable appearance, performing a medley of his hits "Exchange" and "Whatever She Wants," bridging the late 2010s with the present. GIVEON, whose soulful voice has become a staple of contemporary R&B, joined Drake for a stirring duet of "Chicago Freestyle" and "Heartbreak Anniversary," sending chills through the audience.
Drake’s close collaborator and OVO labelmate PARTYNEXTDOOR energized the crowd with a sneak peek of their upcoming UK tour, performing a suite of tracks from their 2025 joint album "Some Sexy Songs 4 U," including "Somebody Love You," "Spider-Man Superman," and "Moth Balls." Their chemistry on stage underscored the strength of their partnership and the fresh energy they bring to the genre.
The crowning moment of the night came when Lauryn Hill, a legendary figure in R&B and hip-hop, joined Drake for an unforgettable finale. Hill’s performance of "Ex-Factor," a track from her Grammy Award-winning 1998 album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," seamlessly transitioned into Drake’s 2018 hit "Nice for What," which samples her classic. This mashup was met with rapturous applause and was described by fans as "one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen live." Social media personality BenDaDonnn, streaming live from the festival, captured the shock and awe of Hill’s surprise appearance, a stark contrast to her recent under-attended show at the Essence Festival the previous weekend.
In addition to the musical highlights, the festival atmosphere was electric. Clips circulated online showing Drake interacting warmly with the crowd, greeting NBA star Kevin Durant, and expressing gratitude to the UK audience, whom he praised for their unwavering support. Drake’s connection to London and the Wireless Festival feels deeply personal; upon arriving in the city, he shared on Instagram, "the boy’s home," signaling his excitement and appreciation for returning to a stage that has been pivotal in his career.
The 2025 Wireless Festival lineup was star-studded beyond Drake’s performances, featuring artists such as Summer Walker, BigXthaPlug, Lancey Foux, Burna Boy, and Vybz Kartel, among others. This diversity of talent underscored the festival’s commitment to showcasing a broad spectrum of music, with Drake’s triple-headlining run serving as the centerpiece.
Drake’s presence at Wireless comes on the heels of his latest single, "What Did I Miss?" released just days before the festival. The track, which addresses his 2024 feud with Kendrick Lamar and calls out those who distanced themselves during the conflict, quickly soared to the top of Apple Music and Spotify charts. It is poised to debut in the top two on the Billboard Hot 100, signaling the continued commercial strength of the Toronto rapper. During a livestream earlier in July, Drake previewed several unreleased tracks from his forthcoming ninth studio album, "Iceman," hinting that fans can expect the full project "soon," though no official release date has been announced.
Drake’s performances at Wireless Festival have not only been about delivering hits but also about creating moments that resonate deeply with fans and the music community. His ability to bring together generations of R&B artists on one stage, combined with his own evolving artistry, makes his 2025 Wireless Festival run a landmark event. As he prepares to headline the remaining two nights, anticipation is high for more surprises and collaborations that will continue to define this milestone anniversary for the festival.
From nostalgic tributes to groundbreaking new music, Drake’s Wireless Festival takeover encapsulates the enduring power of live music to unite, inspire, and celebrate culture. The 20th anniversary of Wireless is off to a roaring start, with the 6 God leading the charge and reminding the world why he remains one of the most influential figures in music today.
