LIVE: Wireless Festival 2025 @ Finsbury Park, London

From Friday 11th July to Sunday 13th July, Finsbury Park in London played host to one of the most anticipated music events of the year—Wireless Festival. Celebrating its monumental 20th anniversary, the festival promised something truly historic: a three-night headline run from Drake, a feat never done before by any artist in the event’s history. '20 Years of Wireless' was set to be Drake’s first UK performance since 2019, the energy felt like a homecoming. He’s long credited London as an important city in his journey, and the love he has received back from the crowds have proved that connection is mutual.

Wireless has long been known as the UK’s premier destination for rap, hip-hop and R&B, this year was no different. The 2025 edition brought together some of the biggest names in music from across the globe, with a lineup that included PartyNextDoor, Summer Walker, Burna Boy, and even a special performance from Vybz Kartel. Tickets sold out in minutes, and rightly so. The combination of a global superstar like Drake and a carefully curated supporting cast made this one of the most in-demand lineups in the festival’s history. It was clear from the start that Wireless was pulling out all the stops to make its 20th anniversary something unforgettable. Drake’s return to the UK was a headline in itself—he hadn’t performed here since 2019, and his longstanding love affair with London added another layer of energy and meaning to the performances. For many, it felt like a homecoming.

Friday set the tone for the weekend with high-energy performances and emotional moments right from the jump. The day kicked off with DJ AG on the Main Stage and Kamilla Rose warming things up over at the Old Spice Stage, both creating a lively atmosphere from early in the afternoon.

On the Main Stage, rising stars like Odeal, Kwn, and Leon Thomas stepped up with impressive sets. Odeal brought smooth vocals and confident stage presence, performing tracks from his recent album The Summer That Saved Me. Kwn raised the bar even higher when Kehlani joined on stage to perform fan-favourites like Clothes Off and Worst Behaviour, showcasing their undeniable chemistry. Leon Thomas delivered one of the standout performances of the day with his viral hit MUTT, igniting the crowd with his unique blend of funk, soul, and modern R&B. Meanwhile, the Old Spice Stage was bubbling with talent. The likes of Swavy, Nippa, Karri, and Sailorr kept the vibes consistent throughout the afternoon before Roy Woods brought the night to a close on that stage with his moody, melodic style.

Then came the first wave of headliners and the energy shifted up a gear...

R&B powerhouse Summer Walker stepped up as one of the first big-name headliners of the weekend. Her return to Wireless carried emotional weight—many fans remembered her last performance at Finsbury Park when she broke down in tears on stage, leading to an unforgettable, viral moment of connection with the crowd. This time around, Summer came back stronger, delivering a beautifully raw set that struck a chord with everyone watching. Her performance created the perfect emotional build-up for what would become one of the most memorable headline sets Wireless has ever seen.

When Drake and PartyNextDoor took the stage, the atmosphere shifted again—this time into something transcendent. Fresh off the release of their joint album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, the duo opened their set with new material before Drake transitioned into an epic solo journey through his discography.

Fans were treated to classics from every era of his career, from Take Care and Views to Scorpion and More Life. Each track brought waves of nostalgia and emotion, reminding everyone of the cultural impact Drake has had over the past decade.

But he didn’t come alone.

In true Wireless anniversary fashion, Drake surprised fans with a lineup of R&B legends and rising stars. Bobby Valentino, Mario, and the one-and-only Lauryn Hill graced the stage, transporting the audience straight into the golden era of R&B. Then came appearances from today’s torchbearers like Giveon and Bryson Tiller, whose smooth vocals and stage presence represented the genre’s present and future.

It wasn’t just a headline set—it was a full-on celebration of R&B, spanning generations and styles, all curated by an artist who’s helped shape the sound over the years. For many in the crowd, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a live tribute to a genre that often gets sidelined at major festivals. What made this all the more impressive? This was only Night One. By the time Friday came to a close, fans were left buzzing with the possibilities of what the rest of the weekend could hold. The energy, the surprises, the level of artistry—it had already surpassed expectations.

Wireless Festival 2025 started with a bang, and if Friday was any indication, the remaining days were going to raise the bar even higher. The weekend was more than a festival—it was a cultural moment, a love letter to the sounds that shaped a generation, and a reminder of why London continues to be a global epicentre for music.

After an unforgettable opening night, Saturday at Wireless Festival 2025 proved that the celebration was only just beginning. The second day of the festival shifted gears from soulful R&B to full-throttle rap and hip-hop, highlighting the strength of the UK scene while bringing global stars into the mix. This wasn’t just a day for music—it was a cultural statement.

Once again, DJ AG opened the Main Stage, this time kicking off proceedings at 11am. Over at the Old Spice Stage, Kenny Allstar brought the heat from the same early hour. Seeing DJ AG appear across multiple days was more than deserved—he’s become a key figure in the UK music community, known not just for his skills behind the decks, but also for building platforms for emerging artists. From creating free street shows to helping rising talent break through, his presence at Wireless reflected the festival’s deeper ties to community and culture.

As the sun rose higher over Finsbury Park, the focus turned toward rap and grime—a genre Wireless has always championed. The Main Stage saw performances from artists like Nemzzz, Lancey Foux, and BigXthaPlug, all of whom brought gritty energy, commanding stage presence, and undeniable crowd control. It was clear: Saturday was London’s day. Meanwhile, the Old Spice Stage continued to showcase emerging heat. Performers like SahBabii, YT, Chy Cartier, and Len kept the audience moving through the afternoon, with a closing set from Fimiguerrero that left the crowd buzzing. These stages offered more than just music—they spotlighted the talent that’s pushing boundaries and redefining what UK rap sounds like today.

Then came one of the most poetic moments of the weekend: a special performance from Boy Better Know (BBK). The legendary grime collective, made up of pioneers like Skepta, JME, and others, took over the Wireless stage to mark their own 20-year anniversary—right alongside Wireless Festival’s two-decade milestone. The synergy couldn’t have been better. Seeing BBK perform in front of their home crowd, in the very city where their music was born, was both powerful and emotional. This was more than a performance; it was a moment of celebration for everything BBK has contributed to the culture. They’ve always carried the grime scene with pride, and Saturday reminded everyone why they’re still held in such high regard.

As night fell, it was time for Drake’s second headline set, and this time things took a twist.

The announcement of “The Mandem” as the name for Saturday’s headlining guests had sparked debate across social media in the days leading up. Some fans were unsure what to expect, while others were ready for anything. But when the lights went down and the music hit, the meaning behind the name became clear: Saturday was about rap, energy, and brotherhood. This was Drake’s chance to celebrate his love for rap culture—especially UK rap—while delivering one of the most guest-heavy performances Wireless had ever seen.

Twelve guest appearances in one night. The numbers alone were staggering.

UK rap’s elite stormed the stage alongside Drake: Central Cee, Dave, Skepta, Headie One, K-Trap, and J Hus each made appearances that had the crowd going wild. Then came a wave of global superstars—Yeat, Latto, Sexyy Red, and even a curveball in the form of Vanessa Carlton, whose surprise moment was one of the most talked-about across the entire weekend. Rising names like Fakemink also had their time to shine, and long-time collaborator and friend 21 Savage gave the fans exactly what they wanted.

Among the most unforgettable highlights was Dave and Central Cee joining Drake on stage to perform Sprinter, a moment that sent shockwaves through the park. They followed up with solo bangers like BAND4BAND and Clash, while also treating the crowd to the UK-US crossover classic Wanna Know, a track that marked a major cultural moment when it first dropped—and felt just as significant live on stage. J Hus brought pure summer energy as he and Drake performed their hit Who Told You, with the crowd dancing and singing in unison. But one of the night’s biggest reactions came when 21 Savage stepped out to perform GBP, followed by their joint anthem Jimmy Cooks. The chemistry between Drake and Savage was undeniable, and the crowd echoed every lyric like scripture.

And just like on Friday, Drake closed the night in dramatic fashion—this time ascending high above the park on a crane, serenading the entire festival with a cover of Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You. The moment was surreal. Thousands of fans, arms in the air, voices lifted, created a moment of pure unity. For a festival known for beats, bass, and bravado, this nostalgic, emotional ending was a beautiful contradiction—and a perfect one at that.

Wireless Festival’s Saturday proved just how much culture, legacy, and innovation this event carries. It honoured the old, embraced the new, and showed love to every corner of the rap world—from the estates of London to the streets of Atlanta. It was bold, unexpected, and unforgettable.

And somehow, there was still one more day to go.

Sunday was the day many had circled on their calendar — the long-awaited return of the Worl’ Boss himself, Vybz Kartel, who was set to make his first-ever UK performance. The final day of Wireless 2025 transformed Finsbury Park into a full-blown celebration of Dancehall and Bashment culture, and it didn’t disappoint.

As always, DJ AG opened the main stage, bringing the early energy at 11am, while Izzy Bossy did the same for the Old Spice Stage, setting the tone for a day that would be all about vibes, rhythm, and legacy. Due to the earlier curfew on Sundays, the day kicked off quicker than the rest. At 2:10pm, Masicka took to the main stage and instantly ignited the crowd. His summer anthem 'Whites' had everyone singing along, cementing its place as a contender for track of the summer.

Over on the Old Spice Stage, Skeete got things moving as the day’s first performer, followed by electric sets from Odumodublvck, Darkoo, and finally, Uncle Waffles, who closed out the stage with a high-energy set that kept fans dancing well into the evening.

Back on the main stage, Spice, the Queen of Dancehall, delivered a vibrant and commanding performance. With her bold stage design and unmatched presence, she carried the vibes seamlessly into Popcaan’s set, who came through with his signature energy and crowd-hyping charisma — the perfect build-up to the night’s most talked-about act.

Then, the moment everyone had been waiting for: Vybz Kartel. The crowd erupted as he stepped onto the UK stage for the first time ever. Some fans even admitted they were more excited to see him than Drake. Kartel delivered a nostalgic and high-energy set packed with classics like 'Summer Time' 'Bicycle' 'It Bend Like Banana' and 'Fever'. It felt less like a debut and more like a long-overdue homecoming. Following Kartel’s electric moment, Burna Boy kept the momentum alive with his debut Wireless performance. He brought pure energy and even surprised the crowd by bringing out Ms. Lauryn Hill — making it her second appearance of the weekend after her iconic Friday cameo.

To close out the weekend, Drake returned to the main stage for the final night of his historic three-day headline run. The energy shifted again — this time, it felt like you were at a massive carnival street party. With DJ AG spinning at the front of the stage, Drake performed feel-good anthems like 'One Dance' and 'Passionfruit' keeping the summer energy alive.

He also gave fans a first listen to an unreleased track featuring Central Cee, who watched on from the side of the stage, vibing to his own bars. The night reached its peak when Drake shared the stage with both Vybz Kartel and Popcaan — a monumental moment that symbolised the unity and influence of dancehall culture on global music. Drake ended his set standing side by side with Popcaan, Vybz Kartel, and Central Cee, thanking the crowd for what he called “the best three days of my performing life."

Wireless Festival 2025 was more than just a music event — it was a landmark moment for the culture. Over three unforgettable days, Finsbury Park became the centre stage for a global celebration of music, legacy, and connection.

Friday gave us nostalgia and soul with a night devoted to R&B, where Drake opened his historic run alongside legends like Lauryn Hill, Bobby Valentino and Mario. Whilst keeping thing current with Bryson Tiller & Giveon. Saturday shifted gears, diving into the raw energy of rap and hip hop with explosive performances from UK heavyweights like Central Cee, Dave, Skepta, Headie One, K-Trap and surprise international appearances that had social media in a frenzy. Then Sunday brought it home with pure vibes — a love letter to dancehall and bashment culture. With Popcaan, Spice, Burna Boy, and the iconic debut of Vybz Kartel in the UK, it felt like a moment the scene had been building towards for years.

At the heart of it all was Drake, whose three-night headline takeover wasn’t just a Wireless first — it was a statement. He brought out over 18 surprise guests across genres, generations, and continents, curating each night like a journey through sound and identity. From surprise collaborations to emotional tributes, every set was crafted with intention.

Wireless 2025 will be remembered not just for the music, but for the energy, the unity, and the history made. It reminded us what live music is all about.