Dancehall’s ‘million dollar man’ set to ignite Toronto: Fans, frenzy at Scotiabank Arena for Vybz Kartel’s debut
This weekend, Toronto will witness a musical event years in the making for Vybz Kartel’s first-ever live performance in the city, a spectacle that has set off what locals describe as “a cultural earthquake.”
Presented by Drake’s OVO, the three-night concert series at Scotiabank Arena — October 26, 27, and 30 — marks not just Kartel’s Canadian debut, but a defining moment for dancehall on one of North America’s grandest stages.
When news of dancehall’s ‘Million Dollar Man’ first broke, the city erupted.
“The vibe in the city was lots of energy and frenzy when the announcement was made,” said Danae Peart, Toronto-based radio host and CEO of Peart Media and Business Consulting. “Persons told me they were online — 14,000 persons deep — trying to get the first release of tickets.”
Reports coming out of Toronto indicate that within hours after tickets went on sale, the Kartel frenzy created record-breaking sales. The first two concerts sold out within hours, with floor prices fetching up to US$1,000 on some resale sites. A third night was added due to the overwhelming demand, cementing Kartel’s Toronto debut as a must-attend historic three-show run at Scotiabank Arena. The arena reportedly holds approximately 20,000 fans. So with three events, Kartel’s numbers mean he may soon have to play stadiums in some cities. It is hard to imagine what will happen when he makes the trek to Africa.
“Toronto is lit, and that’s an understatement!” exclaimed Sandy Daley, author, actress and host on Roadblock Radio in the tri-state and South Florida. “Kartel has never performed in Toronto before, and this is going to be an epic and historical debut, alongside Drake and others.”
Daley, who has covered major music events in the city for years, said the demand for both tickets and media access has been through the roof.
“Tickets went on sale a few weeks ago, and immediately they were snatched up by the masses. The demand was there and has not stopped. It’s been challenging getting media accreditation, as once again, the demand is high and very few tickets have been allotted for media. It’s also always a situation of ‘who you know’ in Canada,” she added with a laugh.
Kartel’s Toronto takeover underscores his reach
This isn’t just a Jamaican or dancehall story. The anticipation for Kartel’s shows has cut across cultures.
“The frenzy is definitely not only among Jamaicans,” Peart noted. “My coworkers and their friends got tickets, and they are very far from being Jamaican. You have to realize that this Kartel booking was announced by Drake and is tied to OVO. There are folks who will want to go just in hopes that Drake will appear or that something OVO-style will happen.”
Kartel’s massive fanbase, known globally as the “Gaza Nation,” has always been diverse, but this Toronto takeover underscores his reach. From diehard Caribbean fans to Gen Z hip-hop heads, his music resonates widely.
Gen Z’s around me know quite a few of his songs line by line,” Peart said. “Kartel’s appeal crosses borders. It’s a movement.”
The timing for Kartel’s Toronto debut could not be more charged as the local baseball team Blue Jays, is chasing a World Series berth, which has turned up the energy level in the city “till it buck,” one fan suggested.
“Toronto is now the place to be,” said Daley. “With Kartel and the World Series here during the same time — the vibe is hot and it’s building exponentially. If I had to choose, I’d definitely choose the Kartel show, as I’d be too nervous watching the Blue Jays play!”
Peart said, despite the buzz around Kartel’s performance, she would take tickets to the baseball game.
“It has been 32 years since the Blue Jays made it to the World Series, and I am a baseball fan. This is a big deal for Toronto and Canada,” she shared.
Like when Kartel made the long-awaited return to the Barclays Center in June, the concerts will be accompanied by a weekend of official and unofficial after-parties, themed “Gaza Forever.’ Promoters are promising all night, Kartel accompanied by other dancehall, reggae, and Afrobeats songs. The dress code? “Clean, stylish, and representing the Gaza Nation.”
As for the age-old “King of Dancehall” debate, opinions are varied but passionate.
“The King of Dancehall debate is a lengthy one,” said Peart. “What are we measuring this kingdom by — album sales, global reach, crossover appeal, or longevity? I’m a fan of Beenie Man, so there will be bias. But Kartel is definitely a king in his own right.”
Daley, meanwhile, was more direct.
“I do believe that Kartel is now the King of Dancehall! The impact that he has made in the dancehall space, especially since his release from prison, cannot be denied. He’s brought different listeners and admirers to the genre, and his influence has continued to grow,” she opined.
For Toronto, this weekend’s concerts aren’t just about music. They’re about representation, domination, and cultural pride. It’s the moment when dancehall’s global dominance becomes impossible to ignore on one of the world’s most iconic stages.
“Toronto has waited a long time for this,” Peart said. “This isn’t just a concert. It’s a moment in history.”
