The Weeknd donates $1m to relief efforts in Ethiopia

The Weeknd has pledged to donate $1 million (approx £7,21,250) to Ethiopian relief efforts in the midst of continued violence in the country.

The platinum-selling R&B artist, who was born to Ethiopian immigrant parents, took to social media to express: “My heart breaks for my people of Ethiopia as innocent civilians ranging from small children to the elderly are being senselessly murdered and entire villages are being displaced out of fear and destruction.”

The artist, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, said that he will be donating to the Ethiopian relief efforts which will “provide 2 million meals” through the United Nations Food Program, while also encouraging “those who can to please give as well”.

As indicated by NPR, the conflict in the East African nation has brought about the death of thousands and the displacement of more than 2 million people.

The UN likewise reported that over 4 million people need “life-saving” help this year and that the “outbreak of conflict coincided with (Ethiopia’s) peak harvest season, meaning employment and incomes were lost, markets were disrupted, food prices rose, and access to cash and fuel became very difficult”.

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In 2020, The Weeknd gave millions for a range of causes, including racial inequality following George Floyd’s killing, the coronavirus relief, and for victims of the port blast in Beirut.

In addition, the Weeknd participated and raised more than $2 million from his first NFT collection over the weekend. He wrote on social media: “I’ve always been looking for ways to innovate for fans and shift this archaic music biz and seeing NFTs allowing creators to be seen and heard more than ever before on their terms is profoundly exciting. I intend to contribute to this movement and can see that very soon it will be weaved into the music industry’s mechanics.”