The UK’s largest pop, dance and urban music festival, Wireless Festival, marked its 20th year of existence this year at its usual home — Finsbury Park — from July 11–13, with an underlying tone of diversity across genres and cultures. The 2025 festival spread epic vibes across four stages: Main Stage, Old Spice Stage, Old Village, and Hennessy Stage, with Drake headlining the Main Stage throughout the weekend.
On Friday, July 11, the Main Stage was headlined by Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR, with performances from guest artists like Summer Walker, Leon Thomas, KWN, Odeal, and DJ AG. The Old Spice Stage was lit up by Roy Woods, Sailor, Karri, Nippa, Swavy, and Kamilla Rose, while Taylor Rae, Naira, Donch, and Jada Kai brought energy elsewhere on the grounds. The Hennessy Stage featured Marcus Blue and DJs Juls, Mercedes Benson, Ace, and Sugar B.
The following day, Saturday, July 12, Drake remained the Main Stage constant, joined this time by Boy Better Know, BigXthaPlug, Lancey Foux, Nemzzz, Sahbabii, and DJ AG. The Old Spice Stage was newly reloaded with Fimiguerrero, LEN, Chy Cartier, YT, and Kenny Allstar. Meanwhile, DJs Supa D, Rampage, Sir Corey, and Twin B kept the decks alive, with Sugar B making a return. The VIP Village buzzed with Travis Presents, Bempah (Scary Things), EJ, Jay Knox, and Cvss.
Sunday brought the festival to a euphoric close with a more global, genre-spanning roster. The Main Stage was led by Drake once again, this time joined by Burna Boy, Vybz Kartel, Popcaan, Spice, Masicka, and DJ AG. The Old Spice Stage featured an electric run from Darkoo, Odumodublvck, Skitty, and Izzy Bossy. The Hennessy Stage wrapped with high-powered sets from resident DJs Suga B and Marcus Blue, Nicky Slimting, and Heartless Crew.
A new wave of African artists was unveiled at this year’s edition, bringing fresh energy to the festival alongside a few familiar faces. Rema, who co-headlined in 2024, was a surprise guest this time, introduced by Drake. Uncle Waffles returned to the decks but was unable to give the crowd a blast on the Hennessy Sage due to claims of poor time management and handling by the festival planners.
Top 5 Afrocentric Moments That Lit Up the Wireless Festival Stage
Drake Bringing Out Rema on Stage
Before Rema came on, Drake vaguely teased the crowd with, “I’m gonna let him do his thing for this show, that’s all. Let’s go.” But as the DJ cued in Rema’s first single of the year, “Baby (Is It a Crime)”, the audience erupted in excitement, quickly catching on to who was about to step out. Rema slowly strutted on stage in an unbuttoned black fur-collared coat, baggy white jeans, a baseball cap, and shades, fully leaning into his mysterious persona. It was a surprise moment no one saw coming, as Rema wasn’t listed on the official Wireless 2025 lineup.
A New Version of Moliy’s ‘Shake It To The Max (Fly)’ with Stefflon Don
Following the rise of her dancehall-inspired hit “Shake It To The Max (Fly)”, the remix featuring Caribbean stars Shenseea and Skillibeng — reportedly facilitated by Jamaican producer Silent Addy — helped the song dominate the Caribbean and push into global charts. During his set, dancehall legend Vybz Kartel invited Moliy on stage for a performance of the song alongside English rapper and singer Stefflon Don, who debuted a new verse live, hinting at a potential remix on the way.
Burna Boy’s Debut Performance
Shortly after his set, clips surfaced online of Burna Boy appearing shocked at the smaller-than-expected crowd, clearly anticipating a turnout more like his headlining tour shows. Still, the Grammy-winning performer didn’t let it dull the moment. He opened with his crowd-favourite feature on Dave’s “Location”, followed by a powerful medley including “Ye”, “City Boys”, “Gbona”, “Update”, “Talibans II”, “Tested, Approved and Trusted”, and “On the Low”. A surprise moment came when he brought out Lauryn Hill and her son, YG Marley, to perform an unreleased version of “Praise Jah in the Moonlight”, which included a Burna Boy verse.
Odumodublvck’s Shirtless Set on the Old Spice Stage
The 2025 Wireless Festival also marked Odumodublvck’s debut on the Old Spice Stage. Known for his rugged energy, the rapper kicked off in a tracksuit, but by the time he performed his 2024 single “NOT ALL THAT”, the layers were coming off. Mid-set, he was down to a T-shirt and track pants, eventually going fully shirtless as he led the crowd through a live rendition of Davido’s “Funds”. The highlight came with “PITY THIS BOY”, closing out a relentless, high-octane set.
Darkoo Joins Rema, Drake, and Popcaan on the Main Stage.
In 2024, Rema brought out Darkoo during his own set to perform their then-unreleased collaboration “Favourite Girl”. This year, the moment was mirrored as the two reunited — now with Drake and Popcaan on stage — for a full-circle performance. After a quick chat with Drake and Popcaan, Darkoo shared a warm embrace with Rema before delivering the crowd-pleaser.
African Artists Held Their Own
Despite time mismanagement affecting artists like Uncle Waffles, African heritage was deeply embedded throughout the 20th Wireless Festival. From the Main Stage to the Old Spice Stage and even into DJ-heavy sets at the Hennessy, the presence of African voices — new and returning — helped shape the cultural pulse of this year’s celebration.
Watch the full performances of the Wireless Festival 2025.
