Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, professionally known as The Weeknd, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer recognized for his haunting vocals and genre-blending music that fuses R&B, pop, and electronic sounds. Known for hits like Blinding Lights, Starboy, and Save Your Tears, The Weeknd has become one of the best-selling music artists in the world.
Early Life and Background
The Weeknd was born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Raised in Scarborough by his Ethiopian immigrant parents, he dropped out of high school and began experimenting with music while facing personal struggles, an experience that heavily shaped his early sound.
Career Beginnings
He began anonymously uploading songs to YouTube in 2010, gaining attention for his unique, dark style. In 2011, he released a trilogy of critically acclaimed mixtapes — House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence — which established him as a rising star.
Rise to Fame
The Weeknd achieved mainstream success with his 2015 album Beauty Behind the Madness, which featured the global hits Can’t Feel My Face and The Hills. His 2016 album Starboy earned him a Grammy Award, while 2020’s After Hours included Blinding Lights, one of the most-streamed songs of all time.
Musical Style and Influence
Known for his ethereal falsetto, moody production, and cinematic music videos, The Weeknd has been credited with redefining modern R&B and pop. His music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, excess, and redemption.
Recent Highlights
In recent years, The Weeknd has continued to push artistic boundaries, releasing Dawn FM (2022) to critical acclaim and headlining major festivals. He also performed at the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show, further cementing his global superstar status.
Personal Life
The Weeknd is known for keeping his personal life private, though his relationships and life experiences often inspire his music. Beyond music, he is active in philanthropy, supporting causes like hunger relief and humanitarian aid.
Net Worth
The Weeknd’s net worth is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions, fueled by streaming royalties, record sales, touring, brand partnerships, and business ventures.
Summary
The Weeknd’s journey from a mysterious Toronto singer uploading songs online to a global superstar is a story of persistence, innovation, and reinvention. He continues to dominate charts, influence culture, and expand the boundaries of modern music.