stayc main image

North West Steals the Spotlight in Kanye West’s New Video Featuring “Depo Babies”

December 8, 2024

Kanye West’s latest video has everyone talking, and at the center of it all is none other than his daughter, North West. The 10-year-old is making waves with her charismatic performance, showcasing...

Read more
stayc main image

The Weeknd Builds Anticipation for Tomorrow’s Album Release

December 8, 2024

The wait is almost over—The Weeknd’s highly anticipated album drops tomorrow, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Known for his genre-defying sound and cinematic storytelling, the artist has been...

Read more
stayc main image

Cher Announces Next Album May Be Her Last: A Farewell to a Legendary Career

December 8, 2024

Cher, the iconic Goddess of Pop, has revealed that her upcoming album might be her final musical project. At 77 years old, the singer-songwriter and actress says she’s ready to take a step back...

Read more
stayc main image

Laufey: The Gen Z Artist Reviving Our Love for Jazz

December 8, 2024

Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter Laufey (pronounced *Loy-vay*) is bringing a fresh, modern twist to jazz, channeling the timeless allure of icons like Ella Fitzgerald. With her unique blend of...

Read more
stayc main image

A$AP Rocky: Shaping Hip-Hop and Fashion with Unmatched Swagger

December 5, 2024

A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Athelaston Mayers in Harlem, New York, has become one of the most influential figures in both hip-hop and fashion since his breakthrough in the early 2010s. Known for his...

Read more
stayc main image

Taylor Swift Named No. 2 on Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century List

December 5, 2024

Taylor Swift has once again cemented her legacy in the music industry, earning the number two spot on Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century list. This recognition celebrates Swift's...

Read more
stayc main image

Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s “Die With a Smile” Becomes a Global Sensation

December 5, 2024

When two of pop music’s most iconic artists join forces, magic is inevitable. Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s collaborative track, Die With a Smile, has taken the music world by storm, shattering...

Read more
stayc main image

Selena Gomez: A Star Shining Across Entertainment Horizons

December 5, 2024

Selena Gomez is a name that resonates worldwide, synonymous with talent, resilience, and versatility. From her early days as a Disney Channel star to becoming a global icon in music, acting, and...

Read more
stayc main image

Drake Accuses Universal of Using Bots to Boost Kendrick Lamar’s Diss Track

December 5, 2024

The music world is buzzing after Drake publicly accused Universal Music Group (UMG) of using bots to inflate the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s latest diss track. Known for his own sharp lyrics and...

Read more
stayc main image

Rihanna: The Evolution of an Icon

November 29, 2024

From the moment Rihanna burst onto the music scene with her 2005 hit “Pon de Replay,” it was clear that she was destined for superstardom. Over the years, she has transformed from a Barbadian pop...

Read more
stayc main image

The 'Gaga-esque' Legacy: How Lady Gaga Redefined Music and Culture

November 29, 2024

In a world where the music industry has long been dominated by patriarchal norms and systemic biases, Lady Gaga has emerged as a revolutionary force. Her career isn’t just about chart-topping hits...

Read more
stayc main image

Bruno Mars: More Than Just Your Average Pop Star

November 29, 2024

Bruno Mars is no ordinary pop sensation. While his music is rooted in the feel-good vibes of party anthems, Mars offers more than just catchy beats and sing-along choruses. After witnessing his...

Read more

From Scarborough to Stardom: The Weeknd Receives Toronto's Highest Honor Ahead of Homecoming Concerts

stayc main image

The Weeknd’s meteoric rise from Toronto’s underground music scene to global superstardom came full circle this weekend as Mayor Olivia Chow presented the Grammy-winning artist with the Key to the City a symbolic gesture cementing his legacy as one of Toronto’s most influential cultural ambassadors.

A Hero’s Welcome!

Amid roaring cheers from fans, Abel Tesfaye (born and raised in Scarborough) accepted the honor ahead of his four sold-out After Hours ‘Til Dawn Tour shows at Rogers Centre. “I’m deeply honored,” Tesfaye said in an emotional statement. “Toronto is where I found my voice, and I’m committed to helping the next generation find theirs.”

Mayor Chow didn’t hold back praise: “From Scarborough to the global stage, he’s reshaped modern music while lifting up our communities.” She also declared July 26-27 “Weeknd Weekend” across the city, coinciding with the tour’s first two explosive performances.

More Than Music: The Weeknd’s Toronto Legacy

The ceremony highlighted Tesfaye’s philanthropic ties to his hometown:

  • $500K donation to Scarborough Health Network during COVID-19
  • Support for the University of Toronto’s Ethiopian Studies program
  • Co-founding HXOUSE, a nonprofit incubator for local creatives
  • New pledges to fund Birchmount Park Collegiate (his alma mater) and the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough

“He represents the best of our city,” Chow added, nodding to his blend of artistic innovation and grassroots advocacy.

The Homecoming Concerts: Night 1 Highlights

Fans at the July 27 show were treated to a career-spanning setlist, from early mixtape cuts to Hurry Up Tomorrow (2025) hits, plus nostalgic nods to Toronto landmarks. Social media erupted over:

  • A surprise appearance by Toronto rapper Pressa on “Heartless” 
  • A Scarborough-signature roti delivered to him onstage mid-performance
  • A tearful speech: “This city made me believe the impossible was possible.”

What’s Next?

With two more Toronto dates (Aug. 7-8) before the tour’s finale, Tesfaye’s homecoming celebration is far from over. As the After Hours ‘Til Dawn juggernaut supporting his three consecutive Billboard Top 10 albums rolls on, one thing’s clear: The Weeknd’s roots remain as vital as his reach.

From Scarborough to Stardom: The Weeknd Receives Toronto's Highest Honor Ahead of Homecoming Concertsfrom-scarborough-to-stardom-the-weeknd-receives-torontos-highest-honor-ahead-of-homecoming-concertsEbrunida KaradagJul 31, 2025The Weeknd’s meteoric rise from Toronto’s underground music scene to global superstardom came full circle this weekend as Mayor Olivia Chow presented the Grammy-winning artist with the Key to the...