21 Savage Performs Outside U.S. for First Time at Drake’s Toronto Concert
21 Savage has officially made his first live appearance outside of the United States.
The U.K.-born, Atlanta-raised rapper was welcomed with open arms by frequent collaborator and current tourmate Drake during the Canadian superstar’s concert at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Saturday (Oct. 7).
Earlier in the day, it was confirmed that 21 Savage had officially become a permanent U.S. resident and was legally cleared to travel outside the country. Drake also recently revealed in his song “8 AM in Charlotte” that “Savage got a green card” after nearly being deported in 2019 due to an expired visa.
“To who it may concern, Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, known officially as 21 Savage, is now cleared to travel up north and perform for his beloved fans,” a man announced onstage during Drake’s show on Saturday. “He has chosen Toronto as his first destination. Ladies and gentleman…,” the man continued before getting interrupted by Drizzy.
“No, no. Let me do it,” Drake said. “Ladies and gentlemen, performing for the first time outside of America in his life. Make some noise for the brother, 21!”
From there, 21 Savage walked out wearing a Canadian flag and joined the 6 God in a crowd sing-along of Canada’s national anthem, “O Canada.” 21 Savage is featured on the track “Calling for You,” from Drake’s just-released eighth studio album, For All the Dogs. The pair is also touring alongside each other as part of Drake’s It’s All a Blur Tour of North America.
21 Savage shared several clips from his onstage appearance in Toronto through his Instagram Story. “Dreams come true,” he captioned one of the videos.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, 21 Savage teased his return to the U.K. with a brief video — soundtracked by Skylar Gray’s “Coming Home” — that featured memories of his childhood. The post included a comment from Drake, who simply wrote, “*we’re.”
“This marks a milestone for the superstar as he will soon perform for the first time in London. More information to follow soon,” a press release from 21 Savage reads.
A source previously told Billboard that 21 Savage is planning an international tour.
21 Savage, who was born in the United Kingdom and legally arrived stateside at age 7, was arrested and detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in February 2019. At the time, officials said the rapper was “unlawfully present” in the U.S. on a 2005 visa that expired one year after his arrival.
Billboard
Billboard
