Uh-Oh For OVO? Drake’s Annual Concert Won’t Get Government Funding

Written By Cyrus Langhorne

Drake
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Young Money rapper Drake’s popular OVO Fest is reportedly going to go the independent funding route this year as a result of not receiving financial backing from the Canadian Ministry of Tourism.

According to reports, Drizzy’s annual concert series will be privately funded as a result of the government not ponying up any big bucks.

Last year, the event was given $300,000 in provincial government funding to put on the popular festival. Celebrate Ontario released its 2015 events list and how much money each received and OVO Fest was nowhere to be found. According to Celebrate Ontario the grants given out are meant to, “”enhance programs, activities and services that will lead to long-term improvements. This support helps grow tourism in the province by making it easier for festival and event organizers to offer new and improved experiences that will attract more tourists and increase visitor spending.” (XXL Mag)

Music icon Lauryn Hill surprised fans with a performance at last year’s OVO Fest.

Jhené Aiko opened the show, making way for the first big surprise of the evening, Ms. Lauryn Hill. The Fugees frontwoman performed “Killing Me Softly,” “Fu-Gee-La,” and “Ready or Not” before a bowing Drake showed up to perform a mash-up of “Draft Day” and “Doo Wop (That Thing).” (Rap-Up)

Following sets from Trey Songz, Usher, DJ Khaled and J. Cole, G-Unit invaded the concert.

Majid Jordan guested on “Hold On, We’re Going Home” before 50 Cent and his G-Unit members Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo stormed the stage for “Gangsta,” “Smoke” (with Trey Songz), “I Get Money,” “Don’t Worry Bout It,” and “In Da Club.” (Rap-Up)

In summer 2013, Drizzy revealed how much he appreciated rap star Kanye West coming out to show support at the OVO Fest.

“In rap, sometimes we don’t communicate enough,” Drake explained. “Me and Kanye, we hadn’t even talked before we got on stage together. We didn’t rehearse or anything like that. That was my first time seeing him, on stage. Hiw words, that was a moment I clicked out. I don’t know if this is real or not. I’m not sure if I’m still sleeping from the morning, like, I’m dreaming about how this is working out, probably the most important moment in my life today. At the end of the day, I do look up to ‘Ye, he’s a major influence if not the biggest influence in my career.” (Revolt)

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Written by Cyrus Langhorne

SOHH.com Writer. When I'm not covering hip-hop news and announcements, I'm deep into an Audible book and eating veggies.

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