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Sunmi Becomes the 'Stranger' With New Single

October 23, 2023

After over a year of absence from the Kpop scene, solo artist Sunmi has recently come back with her eighth digital single, “STRANGER.” Co-written by Sunmi...

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EXO Chanyeol Assures That You're 'Good Enough' In New Release

October 23, 2023

EXO’s Chanyeol dropped the highly-anticipated single, ‘Good Enough.’ The comeback was made two and a half years after his latest release (‘Tomorrow’) in 2021...

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Overwatch 2 Hits the Right Notes with LE SSERAFIM Collaboration

October 20, 2023

LE SSERAFIM, a powerhouse in the K-pop industry, is a South Korean girl group formed by Source Music. Comprising five members – Sakura, Chaewon, Yunjin, Kazuha, and Eunchae – the group made...

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Supergroup Boygenius Caps Off Recent Success with EP ‘The Rest’

October 20, 2023

Boygenius, one of music’s latest supergroups consisting of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker, has just dropped a new EP with 4 tracks.

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Kid Laroi's Collaboration with BTS’ Jungkook and Central Cee - "Too Much"

October 20, 2023

Recently announcing a collaboration titled “Too Much” to be released with BTS’ Jungkook, as well as Central Cee, it is scheduled to be released on October 20, 2023.‍

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NewJeans Makes K-pop History with 10 Weeks of Billboard Success

October 16, 2023

Just two months ago, NewJeans etched their names in the annals of music history by accomplishing a feat that set the industry abuzz. Their second mini album, “Get Up,” soared to the top of the...

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Peach Pit’s “From 2 to 3” is an Indie Production Masterpiece

October 16, 2023

The album was heavily influenced by 1970s rock and folk music, as frontman Neil Smith tells Monday Magazine: “We just decided we wanted to have a very natural-sounding album...

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IVE - Gearing up for “SHOW WHAT I HAVE” World Tour

October 12, 2023

Approaching their two-year debut anniversary, they're kicking off their first world tour, titled “SHOW WHAT I HAVE”. It’s been mentioned that IVE’s first concert is set to embrace the idea...

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BLACKPINK's Jennie's Return: You & Me

October 9, 2023

Recently, Blackpink's Jennie has made a triumphant return with her latest single, "You & Me," released on October 6, 2023, marking her first solo release since the global success of "Solo" in 2018...

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Tale of Us - The Techno Duo's Impression on EDM

October 9, 2023

Tale Of Us are an electronic music duo formed in 2008 consisting of Carmine Conte and Matteo Milleri. Soundscapes produced range from dance floor music to chill ambient soundscapes and abstract...

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(G)I-DLE Turns Up the 'Heat' With Latest EP

October 8, 2023

On October 6, (G)I-DLE dropped their latest EP, Heat. The mini-album, consisting of 5 tracks, was made through a collaboration between Cube Entertainment and 88Rising...

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NCT 127 Comes Back To 'Fact Check' Their Skills With New Album

October 8, 2023

NCTzens, the wait is finally over. On October 6, NCT 127 returned with their fifth album, Fact Check, accompanied by a futuristic music video for the album’s title track...

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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...