Latest news with #BirchmountParkCollegiateInstitute
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Toronto's 'Starboy', aka The Weeknd, receives a key to the city
Toronto's very own Starboy has been awarded a key to the city ahead of his highly anticipated concerts at Rogers Centre. Abel Tesfaye, a.k.a. the Weeknd, received the honour from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow during a private ceremony on Saturday. "I'm deeply honoured to receive the key to the city. It feels good to be home. Toronto is where I found my voice, and I'm committed to helping the next generation find theirs," he said in a statement. To mark the occasion, the singer and entertainment company Live Nation will be also partnering up to support the the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough and The Weeknd's alma mater of Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute "to create spaces for youth to connect, create and thrive," says a news release from the City of Toronto. Students from both institutions were present at the ceremony on Saturday. "Abel 'The Weeknd' Tesfaye represents the best of our city. From Scarborough to the global stage, he has reshaped modern music while using his platform to support health and humanitarian causes at home and around the world," said Chow in a statement. "I am proud to honour one of our city's greatest artists with a key to the city to celebrate his contributions to music, society and our culture." Chow also proclaimed the weekend of July 26 and 27 as "The Weeknd Weekend" in Toronto. The Diamond-certified artist has smashed through global chart records with hit songs like Call Out My Name and Can't Feel My Face. Born and raised in West Scarborough, he made history as the first Canadian solo artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show in 2021. The Weeknd will be playing four concerts at Rogers Centre on July 27, July 28, Aug. 7 and Aug. 8.
The South African
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
The Weeknd receives city honours in Toronto
Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, recently experienced a heartfelt return to his roots. On 26 July, the City of Toronto awarded him the Key to the City and declared the weekend as 'The Weeknd Weekend' in his honour. Local officials, community youth, and students from Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute, his former school, attended this private ceremony. Toronto's Mayor, Olivia Chow, praised the artist: 'Born in Toronto, Abel 'The Weeknd' Tesfaye represents the best of our city. From Scarborough to the global stage, he has reshaped modern R&B music as a multi-platinum, Diamond-certified artist, according to People . He uses his platform to create a lasting impact for Toronto and around the world.' She highlighted not only his musical achievements but also his ongoing commitment to positive change. The Weeknd addressed the gathering with gratitude. 'I'm deeply honoured to receive the Key to the City. It feels good to be home. Toronto is where I found my voice, and I'm committed to helping the next generation find theirs.' His connection to the city remains strong, as he continues to invest in its future. The singer revealed ambitious plans for community development. He will help revitalise a basketball court and build a mobile recording studio for the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough. Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute will also receive a new dance and arts studio, plus a sensory room for learners with developmental disabilities. Tesfaye's philanthropic commitment stretches far beyond Canada's borders. Since 2020, he has donated over R182 million to humanitarian causes globally. The Weeknd, who performs a series of homecoming shows in Toronto, has also achieved recent music milestones. Earlier this year, he became the highest-grossing Black male artist to perform at MetLife Stadium, according to Live Nation. His global influence underscores the potential for artists to bridge communities worldwide. Refusing to rest on his laurels, he shared with Variety, 'I don't think I can stop doing that. But everything needs to feel like a challenge.' He emphasised his desire to keep evolving and contributing. Tesfaye's example shows how one can give back, inspire young people, and remain ambitious, no matter the stage. His story is a compelling reminder for audiences in South Africa and beyond that roots, resilience, and reach matter in shaping a legacy. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
