The unexpected collaboration between The Weeknd and Anitta on their song São Paulo made a spectacular debut during The Weeknd’s recent concert in São Paulo, Brazil. This wasn’t just any performance; it was the kind that fans across the world are unlikely to forget. Set against the backdrop of a massive, fiery stage production, the song’s beat recalls the high-energy vibe of Tokyo Drift, the iconic song from The Fast and the Furious soundtrack. The track’s fast, pulsating rhythm mixed with Brazilian funk influences instantly struck a chord, blending The Weeknd’s dark, cinematic soundscapes with a touch of Anitta’s Brazilian roots, making for an explosive musical moment that felt both nostalgic and brand new.
The collaboration itself came about in an almost serendipitous way. Originally, The Weeknd planned for Anitta’s contribution to be limited to the São Paulo live performance. However, her vocal recordings impressed him so much that he felt compelled to compose a full song around her voice. “What she sent was so awesome that we created the song,” he said in an interview, underscoring how Anitta’s performance brought a unique texture to the project. Anitta described her contribution as initially “a joke,” but as she developed the verses and melodies, the recording took on a life of its own, eventually becoming a cornerstone of The Weeknd’s concert and a centerpiece of his upcoming album Hurry Up Tomorrow.
The viral reaction to the song following the live debut reflects both the star power and the surprising genre blend of these two artists. Fans and critics alike were captivated, describing it as a song that hits all the right notes for both The Weeknd and Anitta, while also transcending their typical sounds. This dynamic track may also signal a growing trend toward genre-mixing and international collaborations, blending pop and funk with a cinematic flair. For The Weeknd, it’s a step deeper into exploring global sounds, a path he’s been on with his recent trilogy (After Hours, Dawn FM, and now Hurry Up Tomorrow), while Anitta’s influence brings a raw, playful energy that is unmistakably Brazilian and perfectly complements his brooding, hypnotic production style.
Fans were immediately taken by the energetic tempo and its playful nods to car culture and fast-paced nightlife, evident in the crowd’s response. By debuting the song live in Brazil, The Weeknd has shown he understands how to create a cultural moment that resonates beyond his typical audience. Anitta herself expressed both excitement and disbelief about working with one of pop’s biggest stars, calling the experience “a dream come true” and expressing pride in representing Brazilian funk on a global stage.
With São Paulo now a viral sensation, the collaboration’s success further amplifies the anticipation surrounding Hurry Up Tomorrow. It’s clear that The Weeknd and Anitta’s partnership isn’t just a one-time performance stunt; it’s a calculated move that taps into the global potential of cross-cultural and genre-blending music. The song is now finally out along with a cerebral, lo-fi music video starring a pregnant Anitta with a lip-synching baby bump directed by FREEKA. The opus is no doubt set to break records across the world, and has been added to the top our New Music Spotlight playlist!