Drake‘s three-day residency at London’s Wireless Festival marked a monumental milestone- its 20th anniversary with a weekend that fused music, culture and controversy into one unforgettable spectacle. Held from July 11th to 13th at Finsbury Park in London, the festival drew over 150,000 fans across three days, making it the largest hip-hop festival in Europe.
A Star-Studded Lineup with Global Reach
This year’s edition was headlined by Drake, the first artist to make history by headlining three nights of a major festival. Each night featured a unique setlist and a curated roster of guests (brought out surprise guests like Rema, Popcaan, Central Cee, 21 Savage, BurnaBoy, Vanessa Carlton, and Lauryn Hill) that reflected the diversity of global black music. Each night had a distinct theme: R&B, UK rap, and global Black music.
Controversies & Criticism
Drake’s final set lasted only 40 minutes, leaving many fans disappointed. Uncle Waffles was snubbed from performing due to poor coordination. Fans and media criticised the lack of communication, late setlist releases, and chaotic crowd management. VIP guests reportedly waited over 3 hours to enter on Sunday.
Festival Experience
The Location was at Finsbury Park, London, with a capacity of 50,000 attendees per day. The main stage, Old Spice stage and Hennessy stage were used, and the weather was a heatwave with highs of 32 degrees Celsius. Wireless 2025 wasn’t just a music festival; it was a goldmine of content, from surprise guests to lyrical jabs.
Musical Highlights
Drake’s R&B night featured deep cuts and emotional duets with PARTYNEXTDOOR, Bryson Tiller, and GIVEON.
Drake disses LeBron James in a twist on his song “Nonstop.” Drake rapped, “How can I go from 6 to 23, no LeBron,” throwing shade at the NBA star.
Burna Boy delivered hits like “Last Last” and “City Boys,” backed by his signature energy. Despite a 30-minute time slot, he captivated the crowd with his charisma and musical range. His presence helped anchor the festival’s global theme.
Saturday’s UK rap night spotlighted Boy Better Know, Dave, J Hus, and Central C.
Sunday’s global night celebrated Afrobeats and dancehall, featuring hits like “One Dance”, “Controlla”, and “Calm Down”.
Drake closed each night with a dramatic crane lift and Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”.
Massive financial gains
The Wireless festival sold over 150,000 tickets, generating an estimated £ 25 million. Drake reportedly earned £3-5 million in three nights.
Legacy and looking ahead
Wireless Festival 2025 wasn’t just a celebration-it was a statement. The festival showcased the global influence of Black music. It also raised questions about inclusivity and representation in the UK music industry. As Wireless looks to the future, fans and creators alike hope that it continues to evolve not just in scale, but also in spirit.