Canadian music star The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, has unveiled a new music video titled “Hong Kong”, bringing together nostalgic imagery, local musical influences and the city’s distinctive nightlife. The release offers a cinematic portrayal of Hong Kong while reflecting the singer’s interest in exploring different cultural influences through his music.
Released on October 31, 2026, the track incorporates a sample from Faye Wong’s celebrated 1993 Cantonese song “Monsoon”, also known as “Seasonal Wind”. By blending Wong’s original vocals and melody with his contemporary R&B sound, The Weeknd creates a connection between modern music and Hong Kong’s established Cantopop tradition.
The song was first performed during the opening night of the singer’s four-show After Hours Til Dawn Tour at Kai Tak Stadium on October 24. Its unexpected debut attracted attention from concertgoers, particularly local fans who appreciated the inclusion of a familiar musical classic in his performance.
The accompanying video takes inspiration from Hong Kong’s urban landscape, presenting a collection of scenes featuring illuminated streets, well-known landmarks and everyday city life. Its visual approach recreates the atmosphere of Hong Kong during the late 1980s and early 1990s, using nostalgic elements to reflect the city’s cultural character.
The production also draws creative influence from acclaimed filmmaker Wong Kar-wai, whose distinctive cinematic style is recognised for its atmospheric lighting, expressive visuals and emotionally driven storytelling. His approach to filmmaking has influenced the video’s overall aesthetic, giving the release a nostalgic and cinematic quality.
Director Evan Larsen described the project as an artistic expression of appreciation for Hong Kong rather than a conventional promotional production. Speaking to the South China Morning Post, he revealed that the video was developed within approximately one week before being presented during The Weeknd’s concert appearance.
Larsen explained that the creative team wanted to recreate the atmosphere of an earlier era, particularly the city’s appearance and nightlife during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Streets, architecture and familiar urban surroundings helped establish the visual direction.
The Weeknd’s decision to incorporate Faye Wong’s recording has also brought renewed interest to the original song. Following the live performance and subsequent video release, listeners revisited Wong’s musical catalogue, introducing her earlier work to audiences who may have been unfamiliar with Cantopop.
The response has been particularly noticeable among Hong Kong listeners, many of whom recognised the cultural references and visual details included in the production. Social media discussions have highlighted the nostalgic presentation and the connection between the contemporary track and the city’s musical heritage.
The release also reflects the singer’s broader approach to incorporating regional influences into his international performances. Through location-inspired musical elements, he has explored ways of creating performances that connect with audiences in different parts of the world.
With “Hong Kong”, The Weeknd brings together contemporary R&B, traditional musical influences and cinematic storytelling. The project goes beyond a standard music video by recognising the city’s cultural history and presenting elements of its musical identity to a wider international audience.
By drawing inspiration from Hong Kong’s music, film and urban atmosphere, the singer offers a creative tribute that connects different generations while adding another distinctive release to his musical catalogue.
You can watch the video below