The Weeknd

The Weeknd: A Deep Dive into the Life and Career of Abel Tesfaye

Early Life and Background

Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, professionally known as The Weeknd, was born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Raised in the multicultural neighborhood of Scarborough, he is the only child of Ethiopian immigrants Makkonen and Samra Tesfaye. Following his parents' separation during his early years, Abel was primarily raised by his mother and grandmother. His grandmother's influence was significant, as she introduced him to Ethiopian Orthodox traditions and the Amharic language, which became his first language .

Musical Beginnings and Rise to Fame

Abel's journey into music began in 2010 when he anonymously uploaded songs to YouTube under the moniker "The Weeknd." His unique blend of alternative R&B, characterized by haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, quickly garnered attention. In 2011, he released a trilogy of critically acclaimed mixtapes: House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence. These projects laid the foundation for his distinctive sound and established a dedicated fan base .

Breakthrough and Mainstream Success

The Weeknd's major-label debut came with the compilation album Trilogy in 2012, which encompassed his earlier mixtapes. This was followed by his debut studio album, Kiss Land, in 2013. However, it was his 2015 album, Beauty Behind the Madness, that catapulted him into global stardom, featuring hits like "Can't Feel My Face" and "The Hills." The album earned him two Grammy Awards and solidified his place in the mainstream music scene .

Continued Artistic Evolution

In 2016, The Weeknd released Starboy, an album that showcased his versatility and included collaborations with artists like Daft Punk. The title track became a chart-topping hit, and the album further cemented his status as a leading figure in contemporary music. His subsequent projects, After Hours (2020) and Dawn FM (2022), continued to explore themes of fame, love, and existentialism, with "Blinding Lights" from After Hours becoming one of the most-streamed songs of all time .

Recent Projects and Future Endeavors

In 2024, The Weeknd announced his sixth studio album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, marking the final installment of a trilogy that began with After Hours and continued with Dawn FM. The album delves into themes of hedonism and the pitfalls of fame, featuring collaborations with artists like Travis Scott and Playboi Carti . Accompanying the album is a film of the same name, co-written and starring The Weeknd, set to premiere on May 16, 2025 .

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Beyond his musical achievements, The Weeknd has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including donations to causes such as COVID-19 relief, Black Lives Matter, and support for victims of the Beirut explosion. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the arts, receiving numerous awards and accolades throughout his career .

As of May 2025, The Weeknd continues to influence the music industry with his innovative approach to R&B and pop music, while also exploring new creative avenues in film and beyond.