stayc main image

Lil Nas X Drops New Single “Need Dat Boy” and Fans Are Loving It

November 24, 2024

Lil Nas X is back with another hit, and his latest single, “Need Dat Boy,” is already turning heads. Known for his ability to blend catchy beats with bold, unapologetic lyrics, the Grammy-winning...

Read more
stayc main image

Meek Mill: A Force in the Rap Industry

November 24, 2024

The rap industry has seen countless talents rise and fall, but few have left as lasting a mark as Meek Mill. Born Robert Rihmeek Williams on May 6, 1987, in South Philadelphia, Meek's journey to...

Read more
stayc main image

Playboi Carti Sounds Different: Redefines His Sound with Different Vocal Styles

November 24, 2024

Playboi Carti has long been celebrated for his ability to push the boundaries of hip-hop. Known for his high-pitched delivery and unique ad-libs, Carti has become a cultural phenomenon, with his...

Read more
stayc main image

Frank Ocean: Redefining Music Through Emotion and Innovation

November 24, 2024

In a music industry dominated by rapid releases and fleeting trends, Frank Ocean has established himself as an artist who values depth, emotion, and timelessness. Known for his introspective...

Read more
stayc main image

H.E.R: Staying True to Musical Roots

November 24, 2024

In a world of fast-paced trends and fleeting fame, H.E.R. stands as a powerful example of staying true to one’s musical roots while still capturing the hearts of modern audiences. Born Gabriella...

Read more
stayc main image

Cynthia Erivo: A Journey of Talent, Resilience, and Advocacy

November 22, 2024

Cynthia Erivo captured the hearts of Broadway audiences with her extraordinary portrayal of Celie in the 2015 revival of *The Color Purple*. Her groundbreaking performance earned her the 2016 Tony...

Read more
stayc main image

The Unstoppable Rhythm of Chris Brown: Music and Dance as Art Forms

November 22, 2024

As an artist who can mix music and dance into one continuous artistic experience, no one is brighter than Chris Brown. Chris Brown has been in the game for close to 20 years and he has established...

Read more
stayc main image

Kim Deal’s Long-Awaited Solo Album ‘Nobody Loves You More’ Was Worth the Wait

November 22, 2024

Kim Deal, a name synonymous with alternative rock royalty, has finally graced fans with her first-ever solo album, Nobody Loves You More. After decades of contributing to groundbreaking bands like...

Read more
stayc main image

Gracie Abrams: A Rising Star

November 22, 2024

In the vast sea of emerging pop artists, few have captured hearts as tenderly and authentically as Gracie Abrams. Known for her confessional lyrics, understated sound, and deeply personal...

Read more
stayc main image

Dua Lipa: Reinventing Pop with a Modern Twist

November 22, 2024

In a music landscape that often sees trends come and go, Dua Lipa has emerged as a true innovator, reshaping the pop genre with her unique blend of retro and modern influences. From her self-titled...

Read more
stayc main image

Lola Young’s Rise to Global Fame and Collaboration with Tyler, The Creator

November 22, 2024

Lola Young is carving out her place in the global music scene, and her recent collaboration with Tyler, the Creator is solidifying her status as one of the most exciting voices of her generation...

Read more
stayc main image

GloRilla’s ‘TGIF’: The Ultimate Anthem for Weekend Vibes and Empowerment

November 22, 2024

GloRilla's "TGIF" has emerged as a standout track in 2024, capturing the essence of weekend liberation and solidifying her presence in the hip-hop scene. Released on June 21, 2024, as the lead...

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...