stayc main image

Beabadoobee's 'The Way Things Go'

September 15, 2023

eabadoobee, the multifaceted artist enchanting us with her indie rock and bedroom pop fusion, has once again ignited our musical curiosity with her latest single, "the way things go."

Read more
stayc main image

Travis Scott Takes Fans on a journey with His Latest Album "UTOPIA"

August 21, 2023

Travis Scott, the boundary-pushing artist known for his genre-blurring sound and immersive live performances, has once again shaken the music world with the release of his popular new album "UTOPIA...

Read more
stayc main image

The Weeknd: A Timeless Star who Continues to Shine Bright in the Music Industry

August 18, 2023

Ever since his emergence onto the music scene, The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, has proven himself to be an artist of exceptional talent and staying power...

Read more
stayc main image

Great Gaming Soundtracks: Civilization VI

August 18, 2023

In the realm of video games, where visuals and gameplay often reign supreme, there exists a masterpiece that has seamlessly woven the power of music into its very fabric...

Read more
stayc main image

Pop Smoke: A Rising Star Taken Too Soon

August 18, 2023

Pop Smoke had a brief but impactful career. Born Bashar Barakah Jackson on July 20, 1999, in Brooklyn, New York, Pop Smoke quickly rose to...

Read more
stayc main image

Julia Michaels' Raw Emotion and Vulnerability in New EP "Amethyst"

August 18, 2023

Julia Michaels, the gifted singer-songwriter known for her emotionally charged lyrics and captivating melodies, has once again captured the hearts of fans worldwide...

Read more
stayc main image

French Montana's "Unforgettable" Makes a Remarkable Comeback in 2023

August 18, 2023

"Unforgettable," featuring Swae Lee of the American hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd, made its debut in 2017 as part of French Montana's album "Jungle Rules." The song immediately...

Read more
stayc main image

Remembering XXXTentacion: A Legacy in Music

August 17, 2023

The music industry has seen its fair share of influential figures throughout its history, and XXXTentacion, born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, was undoubtedly one of the most polarizing artists....

Read more
stayc main image

Hottest Songs in Canada Right Now

August 17, 2023

Canada has always been a hub for music enthusiasts, with a diverse taste that spans across various genres. The Canadian music charts are dynamic, reflecting the changing preferences of the listeners..

Read more
stayc main image

The Boyz Bring ‘Christmas In August’ with New Album

August 17, 2023

K-pop group The Boyz return with their latest full-length album ‘Pt.1 Christmas In August’. The Boyz read the room and brought 6 tracks that perfectly match the fresh summer vibe of the season! ...

Read more
stayc main image

Sabrina Carpenter's "Feather": A Musical Transformation

August 17, 2023

Sabrina Carpenter's song ‘Feather’ has taken an unexpected journey from its original soulful ballad form to a captivating and dynamic "sped-up" version. This transformation was not only inspired by...

Read more
stayc main image

The Explosive Sounds of Jungle's Album "Volcano"

August 16, 2023

On August 11, 2023, the musical landscape experienced a seismic shift with the release of Jungle's highly anticipated album "Volcano." This eclectic masterpiece...

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...