Rapper Drake has been announced as the headliner for all three nights of this year’s Wireless Festival, marking his highly anticipated return to the UK stage after a six-year absence.
The One Dance hitmaker will take center stage in London’s Finsbury Park, delivering a bespoke performance each night. This announcement has generated immense excitement among fans, as Drake remains one of the most influential and sought-after artists in the music industry.
With Wireless celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the festival is pulling out all the stops to make it a truly unforgettable event.
Wireless Festival 2024 will take place between July 11 and July 13, bringing together some of the biggest names in hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, and dancehall. In addition to Drake’s historic three-night headlining slot, other confirmed performers include Burna Boy, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Summer Walker, and Vybz Kartel.
Each of these artists has made a significant impact on their respective genres, ensuring a diverse and star-studded lineup that caters to a broad audience. With more acts expected to be announced in the coming months, Wireless is shaping up to be one of the most exciting music festivals of the year.
Drake’s return to the UK stage comes at a time when his name has been dominating headlines due to his ongoing rap feud with Super Bowl headliner Kendrick Lamar. Their long-standing rivalry, which dates back over a decade, has intensified in recent years, particularly following Kendrick’s Not Like Us, a diss track aimed at Drake that won a Grammy earlier this month.
The feud has not only captivated hip-hop fans worldwide but has also spilled into the legal realm, with Drake reportedly taking legal action over the song. Adding fuel to the fire, Kendrick Lamar has scheduled his own UK tour dates in July, including a performance in Birmingham just a day before Drake’s first Wireless set.
Drake has a long history with Wireless Festival, having first headlined the event in 2012. Over the years, he has solidified his status as one of the most requested artists among festival-goers. The festival organizers acknowledged this in their announcement, emphasizing that Drake holds the title “for the audience’s most requested artist.”
His ability to deliver electrifying performances, coupled with his extensive catalog of hits, makes him the perfect choice to lead the 20th-anniversary celebrations. Fans can expect a carefully curated setlist featuring both his classic tracks and his latest releases.
One of Drake’s most recent projects includes Some Sexy Songs 4 U, a collaborative album with fellow Canadian artist PARTYNEXTDOOR, who will also be taking the stage on Friday night. PARTYNEXTDOOR, known for his smooth R&B sound and collaborations with Drake in the past, is expected to bring a soulful and dynamic energy to the festival.
Friday will also feature R&B sensation Summer Walker, whose previous performance at Wireless in 2022 was met with widespread acclaim. Her emotionally charged music and unique stage presence make her one of the standout performers on this year’s lineup.
On Sunday, the festival will welcome Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy for his Wireless debut. Burna Boy, one of Africa’s biggest musical exports, has gained worldwide recognition for his fusion of Afrobeat, dancehall, and reggae influences.
His addition to the lineup highlights Wireless Festival’s commitment to embracing global sounds and showcasing artists from different musical backgrounds. That same day, dancehall icon Vybz Kartel will also take the stage, marking another highly anticipated performance. The Jamaican artist, who was released from prison last year after having a murder conviction overturned, is expected to deliver an energetic and unforgettable set.
Wireless Festival has a rich history of hosting some of the biggest names in the music industry. Last year’s event featured headlining performances from Nicki Minaj, 21 Savage, J Hus, and Doja Cat, drawing thousands of fans from around the world.
With about 50,000 rap, R&B, and hip-hop fans attending each year, the festival has solidified itself as a major player in the global music festival circuit. Its ability to attract top-tier talent and consistently deliver high-energy performances makes it one of the most highly anticipated events of the summer.
Beyond the music, Wireless Festival serves as a cultural phenomenon that brings together diverse communities of music lovers. Over the past two decades, it has evolved into more than just a festival—it has become a movement that celebrates the influence of Black music across multiple genres.
By featuring artists from different musical backgrounds, Wireless continues to push boundaries and redefine what a modern music festival looks like. The inclusion of artists like Burna Boy and Vybz Kartel alongside hip-hop heavyweights like Drake is a testament to the festival’s commitment to diversity and innovation.
In 2023, Wireless Festival secured a five-year agreement with Haringey Council, ensuring that Finsbury Park will remain its home until at least 2027. This long-term deal underscores the festival’s importance to the local community and its status as a staple in the UK’s summer music scene.
The event not only generates significant economic benefits for the area but also provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents. With its growing influence and expanding reach, Wireless Festival continues to cement its place as one of the most prestigious and influential music festivals in the world.
Fans eager to experience the magic of Wireless Festival 2024 can mark their calendars, as tickets are set to go on general sale on Wednesday, February 19, at 12:00 GMT. Given the excitement surrounding Drake’s three-night headlining slot and the impressive lineup of supporting acts, tickets are expected to sell out quickly.
As anticipation builds, music lovers worldwide are preparing for a weekend filled with unforgettable performances, electrifying energy, and moments that will go down in Wireless history.
