Early Life and Background
Birth Name: Abel Makkonen Tesfaye
Stage Name: The Weeknd
Date of Birth: February 16, 1990
Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known professionally as The Weeknd, was born in Toronto to Ethiopian immigrant parents. Raised in the Scarborough neighborhood, he grew up in a multicultural environment that influenced his musical style.
Fluent in both Amharic and French, Tesfaye attended French immersion schools, including West Hill Collegiate Institute and Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute. At seventeen, he dropped out of school and moved to the Parkdale neighborhood with friends, adopting his stage name by dropping the ‘e’ from ‘weekend’ to avoid trademark issues with a Canadian band of the same name.
Musical Beginnings and Breakthrough
In 2009, The Weeknd began releasing music anonymously on YouTube, gaining attention with his mixtapes House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence in 2011. His blend of contemporary and alternative R&B, combined with the mystery surrounding his identity, garnered significant attention. In 2012, he signed with Republic Records, reissuing his mixtapes as the compilation album Trilogy and releasing his debut studio album, Kiss Land, in 2013.
Career Evolution and Major Albums
Beauty Behind the Madness (2015)
The Weeknd’s second studio album marked a shift towards a more mainstream pop sound while retaining his R&B roots. The album debuted atop the US Billboard 200 and featured the global hit “Can’t Feel My Face,” which topped charts worldwide. Other notable tracks included “The Hills” and “Earned It,” the latter of which was featured in the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack.
Starboy (2016)
Collaborating with Daft Punk, The Weeknd released Starboy, which continued his commercial success. The title track became a chart-topping single, and the album further solidified his position in the global music scene.
After Hours (2020)
Embracing a more 1980s-inspired sound, After Hours featured the record-breaking single “Blinding Lights,” which became the longest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time. The album’s success was marked by its critical acclaim and commercial performance.
Dawn FM (2022)
Exploring themes of purgatory and redemption, Dawn FM presented a conceptual narrative, with the album’s sound drawing from new wave and synth-pop influences. The lead single, “Take My Breath,” showcased his evolving musical style.
Hurry Up Tomorrow (2025)
Released on January 31, 2025, Hurry Up Tomorrow continued The Weeknd’s exploration of diverse musical landscapes. The album’s lead single, “Timeless,” achieved commercial success, charting in multiple countries.
Collaborations and Contributions
Throughout his career, The Weeknd has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Drake, Ariana Grande, Lana Del Rey, and Daft Punk. His work with Daft Punk on “Starboy” and “I Feel It Coming” was particularly notable, blending his R&B style with the duo’s electronic influences. In 2023, he co-created and starred in the HBO series The Idol, though the show received mixed reviews.
Awards and Recognition
The Weeknd’s accolades include:
- 4 Grammy Awards
- 20 Billboard Music Awards
- 22 Juno Awards
- 6 American Music Awards
- 3 MTV Video Music Awards
- 1 Latin Grammy Award
- Nominations for an Academy Award and a Primetime Emmy Award
In 2021, Toronto declared February 7 as “The Weeknd Day” to honor his Super Bowl halftime performance.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Beyond music, The Weeknd is known for his philanthropic efforts. He has donated millions to causes related to racial equality, food security, and disaster relief. In 2021, he was appointed a World Food Programme goodwill ambassador and launched the XO Humanitarian Fund, directing funds to humanitarian crises in Ethiopia and Gaza.
Controversies and Challenges
In 2021, The Weeknd announced a boycott of the Grammy Awards due to concerns about the nomination process. However, in 2025, he made a surprise return to the Grammy stage, performing tracks from his new album, Hurry Up Tomorrow.
His involvement in The Idol was met with criticism regarding its content and production, leading to discussions about the show’s direction and his role in its creation.
Personal Life
The Weeknd has been open about his past struggles, including experiences with homelessness and substance use during his early years. He has since focused on his music and philanthropic endeavors. Details about his relationships are kept private, reflecting his preference for maintaining a level of anonymity.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The Weeknd has redefined contemporary R&B by blending genres and pushing musical boundaries. His innovative approach has influenced
