The Weeknd is a major hometown success story, and so is his manager. The Weeknd is arguably the biggest artist out of Canada right now, and one who continues to make Canadian chart history. Wassim “Sal” Slaiby has been with him nearly every step of the way, and also manages Canadian rappers Belly and Nav. He’s also been involved with many American chart-toppers, including Brandy, Bryson Tiller and Doja Cat. With his SALXCO company, he’s bridged the gap between Middle Eastern & North African music and North America, including Elyanna, the first singer to perform a set at Coachella entirely in Arabic. Her hit single “Ana Lahale," which boasts 23 million Spotify streams, features Lebanese-Canadian singer Massari, who is head of A&R for Universal Music Arabic where Slaiby is at the helm. He gives back through his work with Global Citizen and, though he’s living large in Los Angeles, helps spark the next generation in the often-underserved Toronto community with a role on the board of HXOUSE, the XO-led artistic incubator on the waterfront.