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Rihanna's Fresh Start with 'R9': A Journey of Rediscovery

June 20, 2024

Rihanna's journey towards her ninth studio album, affectionately dubbed ‘R9’, has been a long and winding road. At the launch party for her new Fenty Hair line, she opened up about the delay...

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Eminem Faces Backlash Over Lyrics in New Song "Houdini"

June 20, 2024

Eminem has stirred controversy with his latest single "Houdini," which includes a line that many believe makes light of the 2020 incident where Megan Thee Stallion was shot. In the song, Eminem...

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Camila Cabello Unveils Album with Double Dose of Drake

June 19, 2024

In an exciting revelation, pop sensation Camila Cabello has shared that her upcoming album, C,XOXO, will feature not one, but two collaborations with the legendary Drake. Speaking to Billboard...

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Liz Lawrence's New Album 'Peanuts': A Sonic Rallying Cry for Community and Connection

June 19, 2024

Liz Lawrence has always enriched her songwriting by absorbing the influence of various art forms, and her latest album, Peanuts, set for release on June 7th, exemplifies this approach. An artist...

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From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Sara Evans' Journey of Reconciliation and Renewal

June 19, 2024

Sara Evans, the acclaimed country music artist known for her captivating voice and heartfelt lyrics, is back with a new album that promises to resonate deeply with fans. "Unbroke," her latest...

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Meghan Trainor: Celebrating a Decade with 'Timeless'

June 19, 2024

Ten years ago, Meghan Trainor burst onto the music scene with her smash hit "All About That Bass," a song that not only showcased her unique blend of doo-wop and contemporary pop but also became an...

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Eminem's "When I'm Gone" Hits One Billion Views: A Milestone in YouTube History

June 19, 2024

Eminem's iconic music video for "When I'm Gone" has officially reached one billion views on YouTube, marking a monumental achievement for the rapper and solidifying its status as one of his most...

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A.R. Rahman: The Maestro of Modern Indian Music

June 19, 2024

Allah Rakha Rahman, known globally as A.R. Rahman, is synonymous with musical genius and innovation. Born on January 6, 1967, in Chennai, India, Rahman's journey from a child prodigy to an...

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Eventbrite Study Reveals Shift in Ticket-Buying Trends Among Music Fans

June 19, 2024

A recent study by Eventbrite has uncovered a notable shift in the behaviour of music fans, who are now purchasing concert tickets later than ever before. This trend was a key topic of discussion at...

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Why are female artists underplayed on Canadian radio?

June 19, 2024

A new University of Ottawa study has revealed a stark disparity in the airplay of music by women, particularly racialized and trans artists, on commercial Canadian radio over the past decade...

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Thousands of Swifties made 'unbelievable impact' on Edinburgh

June 19, 2024

Taylor Swift’s billion-dollar Eras Tour recently graced Edinburgh, bringing a flood of enthusiastic Swifties to the city and creating an exceptional boom for local businesses. Tens of thousands of...

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Amazon Music Livestream: Showcasing Kendrick Lamar in "The Pop Out — Ken & Friends"

June 19, 2024

Amazon Music is set to enhance its live streaming offerings with an exciting event: "The Pop Out — Ken & Friends," featuring the acclaimed rapper Kendrick Lamar. Scheduled for Juneteenth in...

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

Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet

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...