Bounty Killer to Headline Oasis Music Festival, his First Canadian Concert in 20 Years – “The Demand Is Overwhelming”

Bounty Killer is set to return to Canada for the first time in two decades, headlining the highly anticipated Oasis Music Festival on August 23, 2025, at Markham Fairgrounds in Toronto. The dancehall legend will be joined by an impressive lineup of Caribbean stars, including Cham, Dexta Daps, and Mr. Killa, turning the event into a full-scale celebration of dancehall and soca culture. For fans across the GTA and beyond, the festival represents more than just a concert—it’s a cultural moment years in the making.

This milestone comes on the heels of Bounty Killer’s triumphant return to the U.S. stage earlier this month. The Return of the Warlord: Bounty Killer and Friends, held on July 5 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, delivered a seismic Independence Weekend experience, marking the deejay’s first American performance in over 15 years. Produced by CJ Milan—the same visionary behind Vybz Kartel’s Barclays doubleheader and several other concerts —the sold-out event proved that Bounty Killer’s fire has not only endured but intensified.

With his U.S. visa reinstated in March after a 15-year ban, Bounty’s recent performances feel like a renaissance—reigniting connections with fans who have waited years to see him live. The Barclays show, which featured guest appearances from Mavado, Aidonia, Masicka, Dexta Daps, and Elephant Man, confirmed his role not only as a lyrical titan but also as a mentor and unifying force within the genre. It was both a homecoming and a reassertion of dominance, drawing roaring responses from the crowd and heartfelt tributes from fellow artists.

According to Colin “Iley Dread” Levy, a renowned promoter who was also involved in Bounty’s last Canadian show, the demand for his return is overwhelming. “It’s a major deal for dancehall/reggae lovers for multiple reasons. He has not been here in over 20 years, while his songs have been topping the charts. Plus, he is a well-respected mentor to countless pupils, including Vybz Kartel and Popcaan,” Iley Dread shared. His sentiments echo the anticipation felt across Toronto’s massive Caribbean diaspora, who have helped make the city a consistent stop for acts like Buju Banton, Skillibeng, and Masicka in recent months.

As the Oasis Music Festival draws near, all signs point to another historic night for dancehall. This isn’t just a concert—it’s a celebration of longevity, legacy, and lyrical leadership. From New York to Toronto, Bounty Killer is proving once again why he’s hailed as The Warlord—a cornerstone of the culture, and one of the genre’s most formidable forces.