‘Pray for Gaza’, says Drake in his new track

Canadian rapper Drake appears to reference Gaza in a song featured in his new FOMO short film, with a track including the phrase “Pray for Gaza.”

The snippet appears around the 17:47 mark of FOMO, described as Drake’s “not so short film”. The project features appearances from his mother, Sandi, along with other performers and includes several new tracks and musical moments.

The meaning of the “Gaza” reference remains unclear. While it could refer to Gaza in the Middle East, it may also have a connection to Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel.

Kartel has used “Gaza City” as a name associated with his home region of Portmore and refers to his supporters as “Gaza nation”.

Drake has previously demonstrated a connection with Kartel and made a surprise appearance at the dancehall artist’s first show in Canada.

The Canadian rapper has also publicly supported calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Drake was among the early signatories of an open letter from Artists4Ceasefire calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel. He signed the letter before the end of October 2023.

The letter called on the US president and Congress to support “an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza and Israel before another life is lost.”

Drake’s longtime producer Noah “40” Shebib previously explained how the rapper came to sign the letter.

Shebib said a friend initially approached him about signing the letter and that he subsequently asked Drake and his team whether the rapper would also participate.

“A friend came to me and asked if I want to sign and I said, of course. He asked if Drake would and I went to talk to him and the team,” Shebib said. “That simple really.”

The reference in FOMO has renewed discussion about Drake’s previous public support for calls for a Gaza ceasefire, although the exact meaning of the phrase in the new track has not been confirmed.