R’n’B hit-maker The Weeknd has been announced as the first artist to perform a Yasalam After-Race Concert this November in Abu Dhabi, as part of the city’s annual F1 weekend.
The Toronto singer, who rose to fame with hits such as The Hills, Can’t Feel My Face and Starboy, will perform on November 23 at du Arena, Yas Island.
John Lickrish, the CEO of Flash Entertainment, led the announcement on Sunday morning in Dubai.
He has booked big name entertainers for the F1 in previous years, from Beyonce and Rihanna to Lionel Richie and Paul McCartney.
“I’m from Toronto, so there’s a lot of pride with the artists that are coming out of there, the music scene that’s arising in that city. I’ve been part of it for 25 years,” Lickrish said at the press conference.
“We have kind of an insight into the up-and-comers before they’re in the public eye, so we were looking at club shows with The Weeknd five, six years ago,” he added.
In 2014, The Weeknd performed at People by Crystal in Abu Dhabi. It was his first time in the city. The small show came before the release of his two chart-topping albums, Beauty Behind the Madness and Starboy; both of which shot to No 1.
Born Abel Tesfaye, The Weeknd is an Ethiopian-Canadian artist who began his music career in 2010 by posting anonymous songs to YouTube under his moniker The Weeknd. He was notoriously camera-shy, creating heavy mystique around his identity, and refusing to do interviews. Despite this, and with the support of fellow Torontonian artist Drake, The Weeknd rose to popularity.
The 28-year-old star, who performed on Friday at Coachella, released My Dear Melancholy last month. The six-track affair was the singer’s first EP, preceded by three mixtapes and three studio albums.
On his latest offering, The Weeknd continued to explore his trademark sound: anguished vocals, bleary-eyed melodies and slick production worthy of a pop star.
The Weeknd’s lyrics, which frequently dive into hedonistic and forlorn themes, have become a signature of his style.
Three major artists who will also perform at the Yasalam After-Race Concerts are yet to be announced.
*To see The Weeknd, you must be a Formula 1 2018 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket-holder. Early bird tickets are discounted by 30 per cent, until May 1. Ticket prices vary, starting from Dh995 for a Three-Day Hill pass. Upgrading to Golden Circle for the After-Race Concerts starts from Dh195.
