R&B fans at Usher’s “Past, Present, and Future” North American tour experienced a taste of Dancehall when Jamaican artist Masicka made a surprise appearance on Monday night at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. The introduction came from Kardinal Offishall, who took the stage as a guest performer.
Kardinal Offishall, Masicka’s A&R at Def Jam, seized the opportunity to showcase the Image deejay to the 19,000-strong crowd, saying in his introduction: “I had to surprise you with a special friend all the way from Kingston, Jamaica—make some noise for Masicka.”
Masicka, dressed in a lime green sweater and black leatherette trousers—colors reflecting Jamaica’s cultural heritage—made a cool entrance that electrified the audience. Backed by dancers, he performed Fight For Us, a track from his second studio album, Generations of Kings.
In 2023, Masicka signed with Def Jam Recordings, a division of Universal Music Group, where Kardinal Offishall has been employed as a Senior VP of A&R since 2021.
Usher and Kardinal Offishall also performed a rendition of Chaka Demus and Pliers’ classic hit “Murder She Wrote,” adding to the night’s energy.
This isn’t the first collaboration between Kardinal and Masicka.
In 2016, the two teamed up on Samurai Showdown, a track produced by Walshy Fire for the original motion picture Be Inspired. The song featured gritty lyrics over a hard-hitting trap beat.
Following the performance, Masicka took to Instagram to express his gratitude.
“Shout out me bro @kardinalo crazy vibe 👊🏿 big up the legend @usher #dancehall #1syde #toronto #dreams🔥🔥🔥🔥,” he wrote on Instagram.
Usher’s Past, Present, and Future tour features hit songs from a catalog spanning 30 years in music. Tracks from his ninth studio album, Coming Home, are also making waves with concertgoers. The tour will continue through March 2025 in Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin.
Artists featured on Usher’s Past, Present, and Future tour include rapper Wale and R&B singer Raheem.
