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.
