Toronto’s very own “Starboy” has been presented with a key to the city in anticipation of his upcoming performances at Rogers Centre. Abel Tesfaye, also known as the Weeknd, was given this recognition by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow in a private event on Saturday. Expressing his gratitude, the Weeknd stated, “I’m deeply honored to receive the key to the city. It feels great to be back home. Toronto is where I discovered my voice, and I am dedicated to aiding the next generation in finding theirs.”
In conjunction with this honor, the Weeknd and Live Nation are teaming up to back the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough and Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute, the Weeknd’s former school. This collaboration aims to establish spaces for young people to connect, create, and flourish, as per a news release from the City of Toronto. Students from both organizations were in attendance at the ceremony.
Mayor Chow praised the Weeknd, stating, “Abel ‘The Weeknd’ Tesfaye embodies the finest qualities of our city. Transitioning from Scarborough to the international stage, he has revolutionized contemporary music while utilizing his platform to champion health and humanitarian causes locally and globally.” Chow further declared July 26 and 27 as “The Weeknd Weekend” in Toronto.
The Weeknd, a Diamond-certified artist, has broken numerous global chart records with popular tracks like “Call Out My Name” and “Can’t Feel My Face.” Hailing from West Scarborough, he achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Canadian solo artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show in 2021. The Weeknd is scheduled to perform four shows at Rogers Centre on July 27, July 28, Aug. 7, and Aug. 8.