Toronto’s own Drake has once again stirred excitement and a little controversy, after confirming that OVO Fest, his beloved music festival, will make its long-awaited return in 2025.

The announcement came in classic Drake fashion: casually, yet undeniably impactful. While appearing as a guest at British rapper Central Cee’s concert in Toronto on Saturday night, the Grammy-winning rapper grabbed the mic and let the crowd in on the surprise. “OVO Fest is back this year,” he said, sending the audience into a frenzy.

The moment quickly spread across social media, with fans and critics alike chiming in. Many welcomed the news with open arms, especially those who’ve missed the energy the festival has brought to Toronto since its inception in 2010. But others were skeptical, especially in light of Drake’s recent public feud with Kendrick Lamar.

“This dude career has freefalled,” one user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote. “Ain’t no way he announcing a tour at someone else’s show. After the beef he’s done everything through other artists. Sad.”

Still, others were just happy to see a Toronto summer staple return. The last OVO Fest took place in 2022 and featured a star-studded lineup, including Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Nelly Furtado, and others. Past years have brought out icons like Lauryn Hill, 50 Cent, J. Cole, The Weeknd, Big Sean, and more—helping solidify OVO Fest as a unique blend of nostalgia, rap royalty, and up-and-coming talent.

While the confirmation is official, Drake hasn’t revealed any further details about dates, ticket releases, or the lineup. But in true Drake fashion, he’s kept fans guessing and talking.

Beyond OVO Fest, Drake has hinted that 2025 will be a transformative year in more ways than one. During a recent livestream with Kick’s Adin Ross, he acknowledged he’s back in album mode. “Working on a new album,” he said. “It’s a slap.”

Earlier this year, he posted a cryptic message on Instagram about stepping into a “new chapter” of his career—one that, he warned, “might leave fans feeling uneasy.” That sentiment, paired with the announcement of new music and the return of OVO Fest, suggests Drake is setting the stage for a bigger narrative.

Whether you’re a day-one fan or a recent critic, one thing’s for sure: when Drake speaks, the world listens—and Toronto gets a little louder.

For now, fans will have to wait on more details. But the countdown to OVO Fest 2025 has officially begun.