The Weeknd donates $50K to help University of Toronto launch Ethiopian studies program

Singer The Weeknd arrives at the 88th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo: Gregg DeGuire, WireImage)

University of Toronto is bringing Ethiopian culture to the classroom, and students have an Grammy award-winner to thank.

Canada is home to 70,000 people of Ethiopian origin, 70% of who are based in Ontario (with the majority in Toronto), according to Bikila Award, a Canadian organization that promotes studying and celebrating Ethiopian culture. Which is why University of Toronto history professor Michael Gervers, who teaches a course on Ethiopia, kick-started a cause to launch an Ethiopian studies program at the school last year, promising to match donations of up to $50,000, as reported by Tadias.

Abel Tesfaye — a Toronto native of Ethiopian descent better known by his moniker, The Weeknd — answered the call and donated $50,000, The Toronto Star reports.