The Weeknd donates $1million to LA wildfire relief efforts

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The Weeknd has donated $1million to Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts.

The musician, real name Abel Tesfaye, has partnered with World Food Programme USA and his own XO Humanitarian Fund, to donate the sum which will support LAFD Foundation, GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Fund, and LA Regional Food Bank. The donation will provide relief for those displaced by the fires as well as the firefighters on the scene.

It follows his announcement on Tuesday (January 14) that he would be delaying the release of his upcoming album ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ – the third and final chapter of his ‘Dawn FM’ trilogy. Initially due for release on January 24, the album has now been pushed back to January 31.

“This city has always been a profound source of inspiration for me,” the Weeknd said as he announced the postponement. “And my thoughts are with everyone impacted during this difficult time.”

He also took to social media to share that he would be cancelling his one-night-only concert at the Rose Bowl in California, initially scheduled for January 25.

he Weeknd performs onstage at Spotify's Billions Club Live on December 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Spotify)he Weeknd performs onstage at Spotify’s Billions Club Live on December 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Spotify)

He wrote: “Out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles county, I am cancelling the Rose Bowl concert originally scheduled for January 25th.”

He continued: “My focus remains on supporting the recovery of these communities and aiding its incredible people as they rebuild.”

Last week, five separate wildfires raged concurrently in Los Angeles, causing mass destruction and forcing the evacuation of over 150,000 residents. In the latest figures shared by CNN and Associated Press, 24 deaths have been confirmed, while 16 people remain missing.

Wildfires in Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles (CREDIT: Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

So far, the musician has shared tastes of the album in the form of his previous collab with Playboi Carti, ‘Timeless’, which was co-produced by Pharrell, and another new track called ‘Dancing In The Flames’ which arrived back in September. He also previewed various unreleased songs recently, including ‘Wake Me Up’, ‘Take Me Back To LA’ and ‘Open Hearts’.

Following its release, the record will be accompanied by a feature-length film of the same name that will star The Weeknd, Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan. It has been described as “an extension” of the album and will be released in May.

The Weeknd has also recently discussed why he plans to retire his current moniker. Confirming that abandoning the Weeknd moniker doesn’t at all mean he’s retiring, he said: “Everything needs to feel like a challenge. And for me right now, the Weeknd, whatever that is, it’s been mastered.

“No one’s gonna do the Weeknd better than me, and I’m not gonna do it better than what it is right now. I think I’ve overcome every challenge as this persona, and that’s why I’m really excited about this film, because I love this challenge.”

The Weeknd. Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

In other Los Angeles wildfire-related news, countless charity efforts have also been made to help those affected by the wildfires, including Beyoncé‘s foundation donating $2.5million to relief efforts and Paris Hilton donating $100,000 and launching a fund to help displaced families.

Jamie Lee Curtis has donated $1million to relief efforts, after talks with California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Charli XCX urged brands who send her clothing to instead donate it to those affected by the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires.

Yesterday, it was also reported that Guitar Center announced a new programme that will help musicians affected by replacing their instruments or gear.

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