Overview
Abel Makkonen Tesfaye (born February 16, 1990), known professionally as The Weeknd, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and actor. He is recognized for his unconventional musical production, unique voice, and dark, moody lyrics. The Weeknd has achieved international fame and critical acclaim, becoming one of the best-selling music artists of the 21st century.
Early Life and Background
The Weeknd was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to Ethiopian immigrant parents. He was raised by his mother and grandmother in the Scarborough district of Toronto. Tesfaye dropped out of high school at 17 and began pursuing a career in music. He initially gained attention by anonymously uploading songs to YouTube in 2010.
Music Career
The Weeknd’s music career began with the release of his debut mixtapes “House of Balloons,” “Thursday,” and “Echoes of Silence” in 2011. These mixtapes received critical acclaim and helped him build a dedicated fan base. In 2012, he signed with Republic Records and re-released the mixtapes as a compilation album titled “Trilogy.”
His debut studio album, “Kiss Land,” was released in 2013 and received positive reviews. The Weeknd’s breakthrough came with his second studio album, “Beauty Behind the Madness” (2015), which included hit singles like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills.” The album won the Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album.
In 2016, The Weeknd released his third studio album, “Starboy,” which featured the title track and “I Feel It Coming,” both collaborations with Daft Punk. The album was a commercial success and won another Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album.
The Weeknd’s fourth studio album, “After Hours” (2020), included the chart-topping single “Blinding Lights,” which became one of the most successful songs of all time. His fifth studio album, “Dawn FM,” was released in 2022 and continued his streak of critical and commercial success.
In 2025, The Weeknd released his sixth studio album, “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” which includes the singles “Dancing In The Flames” and “Timeless” featuring Playboi Carti.
Acting and Other Ventures
In addition to his music career, The Weeknd has ventured into acting. He made his acting debut in the 2019 film “Uncut Gems,” where he played a fictionalized version of himself. The Weeknd has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts and has donated millions of dollars to causes such as COVID-19 relief and racial equality.
Personal Life
The Weeknd has been in high-profile relationships with celebrities such as Bella Hadid and Selena Gomez. He is known for his private nature and often keeps details of his personal life out of the public eye. The Weeknd has been open about his struggles with substance abuse and has used his music to address these issues.
Legacy and Impact
The Weeknd’s contributions to music have made him a prominent figure in the industry. His innovative approach to R&B and pop music, combined with his distinctive voice and dark, introspective lyrics, have earned him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. The Weeknd continues to inspire and influence a new generation of artists with his creativity and authenticity.
