Introduction
The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is a globally renowned Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer known for his unique blend of R&B, pop, and electronic music. Rising from humble beginnings as the son of Ethiopian immigrants, he became a chart-topping artist and cultural icon, earning numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards and an Oscar nomination.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Abel Makkonen Tesfaye |
| Date of Birth | February 16, 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Toronto, Canada |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Age | 34 |
| Height | 173 cm |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Producer |
| Partner | Bella Hadid (2015–2016, 2018–2019), Selena Gomez (2016–2017) |
Career
Early Life and Breakthrough
The Weeknd’s musical journey began in Toronto, where he dropped out of high school at 17 and started releasing songs on YouTube. Inspired by R&B and his Ethiopian heritage, his mysterious persona and haunting voice quickly gained attention. Collaborations with Drake and the release of three mixtapes in 2011, later compiled into Trilogy (2012), catapulted him to stardom.
Chart-Topping Albums
In 2013, The Weeknd released his debut album Kiss Land, which reached No. 2 on the charts. He solidified his place in the industry with Beauty Behind the Madness (2015), featuring hits like Can’t Feel My Face and The Hills, both of which topped the Billboard Hot 100. His 2016 album Starboy, featuring Daft Punk, and the record-breaking After Hours (2020), with Blinding Lights, marked him as a dominant force in modern music.
Super Bowl and Cultural Impact
In 2021, The Weeknd headlined the Super Bowl Halftime Show, a milestone shared with legends like Michael Jackson and Prince. Known for his cinematic approach to music videos and live performances, he continues to influence music and pop culture.
Personal Life
Family Background
Born to Ethiopian immigrants, The Weeknd was raised by his mother and grandmother in Toronto. His father’s absence and a challenging upbringing deeply influenced his music. Fluent in Amharic, the Ethiopian official language, he credits his multicultural background for his eclectic sound.
Relationships
The Weeknd has been linked to high-profile relationships with model Bella Hadid and singer Selena Gomez. Though he rekindled his romance with Hadid in 2018, the pair ultimately split in 2019. He remains private about his personal life, focusing on his artistry.
Legal Issues
In 2015, The Weeknd faced legal trouble after an altercation in Las Vegas. He completed 50 hours of community service, using the experience as a turning point in his personal growth.
Notable Achievements
- Awards: Three Grammy Awards, eight Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards, and nine Juno Awards.
- Record-Breaking Singles: Blinding Lights became the most successful song in Billboard history, staying in the Hot 100 for over 90 weeks.
- Oscars Recognition: Nominated for an Academy Award for Earned It from Fifty Shades of Grey.
- Super Bowl Performance: Headlined the Halftime Show in 2021, reaching over 100 million viewers in the U.S. alone.
- Spotify Dominance: Songs like Blinding Lights and Save Your Tears have billions of streams.
Current Activities
The Weeknd is currently redefining his career by transitioning away from his stage name. Abel Tesfaye has hinted that his next album might mark the end of “The Weeknd” persona. He has already updated his social media profiles to reflect his birth name, signaling a more personal and evolved approach to his music.
Alongside this rebranding, he remains focused on creating innovative music, with fans eagerly awaiting the release of his next project. His recent ventures include collaborations with artists like Ariana Grande and his starring role in HBO’s The Idol, showcasing his versatility beyond music.
Conclusion
The Weeknd’s journey from a struggling artist in Toronto to an international superstar is a testament to his talent and determination. Known for his haunting voice, innovative style, and ability to connect with audiences worldwide, The Weeknd continues to redefine modern music. As Abel Tesfaye, he looks poised to embark on a new chapter, ensuring his legacy as a cultural icon endures.
