In a recent revelation, The Weeknd detailed the behind-the-scenes creative process of his collaboration with Brazilian singer Anitta, which premiered at his concert in São Paulo on September 7. This performance was part of a one-off gig during which he introduced new music believed to be from his upcoming album, "Hurry Up Tomorrow."
The collaboration came about after U.S. producer Mike Dean requested a vocal recording from Anitta to complement the performance. The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, shared that Anitta's contribution was so impressive that it inspired the creation of a new song titled "So Paulo," which quickly became a focal point of the show. "We saw great potential in the song and found the beat, which is the heart of the show," said The Weeknd.
Anitta echoed this sentiment in a subsequent interview with Billboard Brasil. She noted that some verses she initially wrote as a joke unexpectedly transformed into something more significant, leading to the complete song that premiered during the concert. "I loved it! I felt very honoured and flattered. I've always been a big fan of his and his work," Anitta remarked.
During the concert, The Weeknd also surprised fans by bringing out rapper Playboi Carti to perform several tracks. This event marks a significant moment in both artists' careers, as they continue to bridge their musical worlds. The new material and enhanced production set are viewed as integral pieces in leading up to the release of "Hurry Up Tomorrow," the concluding chapter of The Weeknd's ongoing album trilogy that also includes "After Hours" and "Dawn FM."
The Weeknd recently unveiled the artwork for the new album on social media, igniting excitement among fans for more details to come.