The Weeknd is set to receive the coveted Allan Slaight Award at this year’s Walk of Fame gala, which takes place next month.
The Weeknd (born Abel Tesfaye), who hails from Scarborough, Ontario, released a number of mixtapes before putting out a compilation album, Trilogy, in 2012. His first solo album, Kiss Land, came out last year and won much praise. He’s also collaborated with rapper Drake. He’s going on tour starting next month in his King of the Fall tour, which will also feature sets from hip-hop artist Schoolboy Q and singer-songwriter Jhenè Aiko.
The Allan Slaight Award comes with a $10,000 cash prize and was given to songstress Carly Rae Jepsen last year.
“The Weeknd has catapulted into the mainstream in a relatively short period of time,” Melanie Hurley, CEO of Canada’s Walk of Fame, said in a statement (as reported by The Canadian Press). “He is a uniquely talented artist who is driven and dedicated to his work. His overall contribution to music in Canada is something to be applauded, and we are proud to recognize him this year with this award.”
Canada’s Walk of Fame festival runs from September 18-20, and the awards gala in which The Weeknd will be honoured takes place on October 18th.
Photo: The Weeknd/HYGHLY ALLEYNE
