'Pray for Gaza', says Drake in his new track

Famed Canadian rapper voices sentiment in his new film

Drake appears to reference Gaza in a song featured in his new FOMO short film, with the 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 includes appearances from his mother, Sandi, and other performers, alongside several new tracks and musical moments.

The meaning of the "Gaza" reference remains unclear. The phrase could refer to Gaza in the Middle East, or it could reference Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, who has used "Gaza City" as a name for his home region of Portmore and refers to his supporters as "Gaza nation".

Drake has previously shown a connection to Kartel and made a surprise appearance during the dancehall artist's first show in Canada.

Drake has also publicly supported calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Canadian rapper was an early signatory of an open letter from Artists4Ceasefire calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel before another life was lost. He signed the letter before the end of October 2023.

The letter states: "We ask that, as President of the United States, you and the US Congress call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza and Israel before another life is lost."

Drake's longtime producer Noah "40" Shebib previously discussed how the rapper came to sign the letter. Shebib said a friend approached him about signing, after which he asked whether Drake would also participate.

"A friend came to me and asked me 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," he said. "That simple really."