The collaborative track “São Paulo” by The Weeknd and Anitta continues to generate significant buzz, sparking a wave of online enthusiasm dubbed “SÃO PAULO MANIA.” The song, released on October 30, 2024, through XO and Republic Records, serves as the second single from The Weeknd’s sixth studio album, Hurry Up Tomorrow (2025). The online fervor, highlighted by a recent post on Instagram, underscores the track’s impact and the artists’ combined global reach.
The collaboration marks a significant moment for both artists. For The Weeknd, it represents a key release leading up to his sixth studio album. Anitta, a prominent figure in Brazilian music, brings a distinct cultural element to the track, further expanding its appeal. The song’s release was preceded by a surprise performance by the duo at a “one-night-only” concert in São Paulo on September 7, 2024, where Anitta initially appeared disguised as one of The Weeknd’s dancers, according to reports.
The Instagram post, featuring the hashtag #theweeknd #anitta and garnering 2,771 likes and 11 comments as of February 23, 2026, reflects the ongoing engagement with the song and its associated visuals. The music video for “São Paulo” is available on YouTube, offering fans a deeper dive into the collaboration’s aesthetic, and narrative. The Weeknd also released an exclusive, one-of-a-kind project featuring a sketch from Basquiat’s early career that has rarely been featured commercially before, as noted in promotional materials.
Background and Production of “São Paulo”
“São Paulo” is a 5:02-minute track, with shorter edits available for radio and streaming platforms, including a 3:30 music video edit and a 2:29 “single”/radio edit. The song’s production credits include The Weeknd and Mike Dean, with Sean Solymar serving as a co-producer. The song blends elements of Brazilian funk with The Weeknd’s signature R&B sound, creating a unique sonic landscape. The lyrics are credited to Abel Tesfaye and Larissa Machado, Tatiana Lourenço, with composition contributions from Michael Dean, Sean Solymar, Washington Vaz, Agustinho dos Santos, André Viegas, Everton de Araujo, Flavio de Almeida, and Marcelo Nei Leal.
Promotional Campaign and Fan Engagement
The promotional campaign for “São Paulo” included a playful exchange between The Weeknd and Anitta on social media. On October 27, 2024, Anitta shared an image depicting an ultrasound with unusual features, prompting a response from The Weeknd who commented on its beauty. This interaction, labeled with the release date of the song, generated further anticipation among fans. The song is available on various streaming platforms, including Apple Music, where a six-song EP titled São Paulo – EP was released in 2025, featuring a live performance from the São Paulo concert.
Regional Significance and Album Context
The choice of São Paulo as the title and focal point of the song, and the concert held there, highlights the growing importance of the Brazilian market in global music. Brazil is a major consumer of music and a key region for artist touring and promotion. “São Paulo” is positioned as a significant track within Hurry Up Tomorrow, following the release of “Timeless” in 2024 and preceding “Cry for Me” in 2025. The album represents The Weeknd’s sixth studio effort and a culmination of his work under the moniker “The Weeknd.”
The success of “São Paulo” and the surrounding “SÃO PAULO MANIA” demonstrate the power of cross-cultural collaborations in the music industry. The song’s blend of musical styles and the combined star power of The Weeknd and Anitta have resonated with audiences worldwide. As Hurry Up Tomorrow continues to unfold, fans will be watching to see how this momentum translates into further success for both artists.
What comes next for The Weeknd and Anitta remains to be seen, but the continued engagement surrounding “São Paulo” suggests a sustained interest in their collaborative work. The release of Hurry Up Tomorrow and subsequent tour dates will likely provide further opportunities for the duo to connect with fans and expand their global reach. Share your thoughts on the collaboration in the comments below!
