Drake breaks silence on shootings at OVO Fest after-party at Muzik nightclub

Toronto-born rapper Drake has offered his condolences to the families of the two young people shot dead in and near Muzik nightclub where an after-party for his OVO Fest was being held.

In a statement on his OVO label's site, Drake said he's been "in a moral bind" over the last few days over the Aug. 4 shootings at the Exhibition Place club that followed his performance at OVO Fest, an annual event he holds at the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre.

"I am used to the fact that my life and the things I say to my fans are‎ closely watched. It's tough in situations like this where there's a tragedy and I consider the advice of my trusted advisers and counsel who worry that anything I might say could be misinterpreted.

"However, today I am choosing to follow my heart," the global superstar wrote.

Drake said he is "plagued and pained by the violence that continues to escalate in our city," adding that he would like to encourage his generation to "show as much value and gratitude as you can for the lives we have been gifted."

Drake offered his condolences to the families of Duvel Hibbert, 23, who was shot dead on the Muzik patio and Ariela Navarro-Fenoy, 26, who was fatally shot on Dufferin Street, just north of the Dufferin Gate, as the crowd streamed out of the club.

Drake also expressed his condolences "to all of the families that have lost loved ones to the senseless violence that has and continues to occur in our city."

The rapper concluded his statement by saying, "I pray for better times and better understanding."