The Weeknd shares strong message after receiving major honour

The Weeknd, who is known for creating several chart-topping hits, was recognised with an honorary award before headlining shows in his hometown.

The city of Toronto awarded the 35-year-old singer with the Key to the City along with the honour of “The Weeknd Weekend.”

The Blinding Lights hitmaker expressed his gratitude in a statement: “I’m deeply honored to receive the Key to the City,” admitting that The Queen City is where “I found my voice.”

He showed his commitment “to helping the next generation” in finding their voices.

Olivia Chow, the Mayor of Toronto, wrote in an Instagram post about presenting the award to “Scarborough-born music superstar Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye.”

The statement highlighted the Grammy winner’s “significant philanthropic contributions” in addition to “his creative achievements.”

During the COVID-19, the singer raised and donated “$500,000 to Scarborough Health Network.” He has contributed to “Ethopian Studies program” of University of Toronto and an innovation hub “HXOUSE.”

Previously, the One of the Girls crooner was declared to be the highest-grossing Black artist in history to put up a show at MetLife Stadium.

Is The Weeknd retiring?

Although it was reported that Abel might retire musical moniker The Weeknd, he later clarified he is not quitting music. He revealed: “I don’t think I can stop doing that.”

According to the musician, he needs everything to “feel like a challenge,” while his persona has “been mastered.”

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