Drake headlined the first night of the Wireless Festival on July 11, 2025, delivering a performance that celebrated R&B and showcased the genre’s emerging stars. Fans gathered at the festival in the U.K. to experience a night filled with melodic hits and surprise guest appearances, marking an exciting kickoff to a weekend filled with musical highlights.
During his set, Drake expressed his excitement for the event, stating, “This is the first time in my life that I’ve done three different shows on three different days. You came to a very special night. It’s night one. It’s a celebration of all things R&B. All things melodies. All classics.” He not only performed his own tracks but also spotlighted fellow artists, creating a vibrant atmosphere for music lovers.
Star-Studded Lineup and Surprise Guests
The first night of the festival was not just about Drake; it featured a diverse array of talent. Leon Thomas, who is experiencing a breakout year with his top 15 Billboard Hot 100 single “Mutt,” captivated the audience with his skills as both a singer and guitarist. Following his performance, Ty Dolla $ign, who serves as Thomas’ mentor and label boss at EZMNY Records, joined him onstage and declared him the new “King of R&B.”
U.K. talents like Nippa and KWN also showcased their prowess, with Nippa delivering a mix of upbeat tracks and emotional ballads. KWN brought additional energy to the stage with her collaboration alongside Kehlani for their hit “Worst Behaviour (Remix),” demonstrating the U.K.’s growing influence in the R&B scene.
The night was further enlivened by surprise guest appearances from artists such as Ty Dolla $ign, Kehlani, and others, making it a dream experience for R&B enthusiasts.
A Melodic Journey Through Classics
As Drake took the stage, he treated attendees to a selection of R&B classics, including deep cuts like “Jungle” and “Feel No Ways.” He also performed popular tracks such as “Marvins Room” and “Passionfruit,” showcasing his emotional depth and musical versatility.
Collaborating with PARTYNEXTDOOR, Drake highlighted their upcoming tour, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U U.K. Tour, offering fans a preview of their dynamic partnership. They opened their set with “CN TOWER,” effectively engaging the crowd before transitioning into slower, more intimate songs that resonated with the audience.
The festival also featured notable performances from established artists. Summer Walker, who had a memorable emotional moment at a previous festival, encouraged fans to sing along, creating a powerful connection with the audience.
The night culminated in a standout performance by Ms. Lauryn Hill, who energized the crowd with a rendition of “Ready or Not” by the Fugees. She also delivered a unique mash-up of “Ex-Factor” and Drake’s “Nice for What,” marking a first in both artists’ careers.
Overall, the first night of the Wireless Festival was a resounding success, blending nostalgia with the fresh energy of upcoming stars. As attendees look forward to the next two nights, the festival promises to continue its celebration of R&B and its evolving landscape.
