In a remarkable act of generosity, global superstar The Weeknd has donated over R18 million to wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles.
THE WEEKND CANCELS HIS CONCERT
The Blinding Lights singer cancelled a major concert and postponed his upcoming album, showing solidarity with thousands affected by the fires, according to Rolling Stone.
The donation was channelled through his XO Humanitarian Fund in partnership with the World Food Program USA.
It will benefit the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Fund, and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
THE WEEKND’S DONATION
These funds aim to support first responders and provide relief to those displaced by the fires.
“Los Angeles has always been a profound source of inspiration for me,” the singer, whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, wrote on Instagram.
“My thoughts are with everyone impacted during this difficult time.”
THE WEEKND DELAYS HIS ALBUM
The Weeknd cancelled his 25 January Rose Bowl concert and delayed the release of his album Hurry Up Tomorrow by a week, according to Billboard.
He explained, “In light of this, I’ve decided to push the album release to January 31.
My focus remains on supporting the recovery of these communities and aiding its incredible people as they rebuild.”
THE ONGOING WILDFIRES
The decision comes amidst the ongoing wildfires, which have destroyed over 12,000 structures and left a trail of devastation across Southern California, according to Variety.
Other artists, including Taylor Swift, have also joined the relief efforts.
Swift announced donations to various organisations, including the California Community Foundation Fund and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles.
“The scale of destruction is heartbreaking, and we must act to help,” she said.
WILDFIRES IN SOUTH AFRICA
Closer to home, South Africans might recall similar community-driven efforts during crises like the Cape Town fires.
These acts of generosity highlight the power of music and celebrity to inspire action and provide hope.
Despite the delay of The Weeknd’s album, Hurry Up Tomorrow remains highly anticipated. The album is the final chapter of a trilogy following 2020’s After Hours and 2022’s Dawn FM.
Accompanying it is a “musically driven psychological thriller” of the same name, set to release on 16 May. The wildfires have also impacted the music industry.
THE RECORDING ACADEMY’S PLEDGE
The Recording Academy pledged over R54 million through its philanthropic arm, MusiCares, to support industry professionals affected by the crisis.
Their upcoming Grammy Awards will double as a fundraising platform for wildfire relief efforts.
Firefighters have made progress containing the fires, with the Palisades fire at 35% containment and the Eaton fire at 65%. However, the damage remains extensive, and the death toll has risen to 27.
RELIEF EFFORTS
While celebrities like The Weeknd and Swift lead relief efforts, the devastation serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to address climate challenges.
As the world watches, South Africans can draw inspiration from these acts of kindness, reinforcing the importance of unity during crises.
HOW DO YOU THINK CELEBRITIES CAN USE THEIR PLATFORM TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE DURING CRISES?
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