Latest news with #KeytotheCity
Global News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Global News
Toronto mayor proclaims ‘The Weeknd weekend,' gives performer key to the city
As The Weeknd wraps up his two-day concert in Toronto, he has received more than just a heartfelt goodbye from his hometown. Toronto-born global music icon Abel 'The Weeknd' Tesfaye received the key to the city on Sunday from Mayor Olivia Chow in a ceremony recognizing the artist's extraordinary contributions to music, philanthropy and culture in the city. The honour was given following his four sold-out shows at the Rogers Centre. In a proclamation posted to social media, Chow proclaimed July 26-27, 2025, as 'The Weeknd Weekend' in Toronto, celebrating Tesfaye's rise from Scarborough to worldwide fame. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy '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 wrote. The Weeknd called the recognition deeply meaningful. Story continues below advertisement '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 the statement. Raised in southwest Scarborough, Tesfaye began uploading music anonymously in 2010. His 2011 mixtape House of Balloons helped define a new era of alternative R&B. Over the next decade, he became one of the most-streamed artists in the world. In 2021, he became the first Canadian solo artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. Globally, Tesfaye has donated more than $10 million to humanitarian efforts, including education programs and food aid. He serves as a UN World Food Programme Goodwill Ambassador and was awarded the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award in 2021. The key to the city is Toronto's highest honour, reserved for individuals whose contributions have made a profound impact locally and beyond. In receiving it, The Weeknd joins a select group of notable recipients in the city.
The South African
2 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.
Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro to receive key to the city for ‘creative relationship' with Toronto
Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro is set to receive Toronto's key to the city in a ceremony Thursday morning. Best known for films such as 'Pan's Labyrinth' and 'The Shape of Water,' the 60-year-old del Toro has received several achievements over his more than three decade career, including three Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. 'Mayor Olivia Chow will present a Key to the City, honouring a celebrated filmmaker whose visionary work has helped shape global cinema and who has maintained a long-standing creative relationship with Toronto,' the City of Toronto teased in a media release. The key presentation will take place during a joint ceremony with Cinespace Studios, where the Marine Terminal campus sound stages by the city's waterfront will be renamed in honour of the Mexican director's contributions to the film industry and Toronto's cultural landscape. The city release did not name del Toro as the recipient, but a spokesperson with Cinespace Studios confirmed it will be him. 'The Key to the City is a traditional symbolic honour, as the city has no physical gates to unlock,' the city release continued. 'The ceremonial key and certificate represent the City's recognition of exceptional civic contributions. The Mayor selects the recipients, acknowledging those who have contributed positively to Toronto and its residents.' A post shared by Acadia Art and Rare Books Est. 1931 (@acadia_books) From filming movies in the city to advocating for an independent theatre in Roncesvalles, del Toro also has a publicized affection for Toronto. In July 2024, when the Revue Cinema was facing the threat of eviction and closure, del Toro urged Chow to save the theatre. In a followup open letter , he wrote: 'It would be tragic to lose a venue like that, which is sustained by the sheer love of its patrons and is a hub of production and many, many of the film practitioners (gaffers, set decorators, set designers, etc.) are proud and avid cinephiles. The denizens of Toronto tend to be humorously self-deprecating, but to an outsider, the city is a place that loves cinema with real passion.' Del Toro commonly refers to Toronto as his 'second home' and has shouted-out his favourite restaurants, theatres and bookstores across the city in the past. With files from Richie Assaly and Peter Howell Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Sydney Morning Herald
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
A tale of two Robbies – and a city with a key dilemma
What does our longest-serving prime minister, Sir Robert Menzies, have in common with legendary UK pop star Robbie Williams? Both have been honoured by the City of Melbourne, that's what. In January, Lord Mayor Nick Reece bounded on stage at Fed Square and handed over a key to the city to the former Take That heartthrob in front of 10,000 adoring fans. But the surprise award led to a council row and a review of procedures for awarding such honours, which decided that unilateral prize-giving was out. Melbourne being Melbourne, the whole thing is strictly hierarchical. The 'Honorary Freeperson' has only been bestowed on three people – ever: Menzies, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and Nelson Mandela. It is the 'highest form of recognition' a way of 'bestowing a city's acclamation on a distinguished person'. Next tier down is the 'Roll of Honour' signed by visiting 'Heads of State and other notable leaders', often as part of 'special welcoming ceremonies' with a 'certificate of the occasion'. Loading The 'Key to the City' award is for an individual, group or organisation that furthers the 'ideals of the city', or it can 'recognise outstanding achievement' in sport, entertainment or humanitarian work at a national or international level. It has 'traditionally been used as a marketing and promotion tool to provide an opportunity for mass public recognition'. Sounds like our Robbie. Many thanks for that AFL grand final show a few years back.
The Age
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
A tale of two Robbies – and a city with a key dilemma
What does our longest-serving prime minister, Sir Robert Menzies, have in common with legendary UK pop star Robbie Williams? Both have been honoured by the City of Melbourne, that's what. In January, Lord Mayor Nick Reece bounded on stage at Fed Square and handed over a key to the city to the former Take That heartthrob in front of 10,000 adoring fans. But the surprise award led to a council row and a review of procedures for awarding such honours, which decided that unilateral prize-giving was out. Melbourne being Melbourne, the whole thing is strictly hierarchical. The 'Honorary Freeperson' has only been bestowed on three people – ever: Menzies, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and Nelson Mandela. It is the 'highest form of recognition' a way of 'bestowing a city's acclamation on a distinguished person'. Next tier down is the 'Roll of Honour' signed by visiting 'Heads of State and other notable leaders', often as part of 'special welcoming ceremonies' with a 'certificate of the occasion'. Loading The 'Key to the City' award is for an individual, group or organisation that furthers the 'ideals of the city', or it can 'recognise outstanding achievement' in sport, entertainment or humanitarian work at a national or international level. It has 'traditionally been used as a marketing and promotion tool to provide an opportunity for mass public recognition'. Sounds like our Robbie. Many thanks for that AFL grand final show a few years back.
