Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known globally as The Weeknd, was born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, to Ethiopian immigrant parents. Raised in Scarborough, Toronto, he was influenced by his Ethiopian roots, particularly the Amharic language and Ethiopian music, alongside artists like Michael Jackson, David Bowie, and Prince. His upbringing was marked by struggles with poverty and substance use, both of which deeply influenced his art. After dropping out of high school, he fully committed to pursuing music.
In 2010, The Weeknd began anonymously releasing songs on YouTube, captivating listeners with his haunting, atmospheric R&B. His early mixtapes—House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence—gained rapid recognition for their raw, vulnerable lyrics and innovative production. These mixtapes were eventually combined into the compilation album Trilogy (2012), marking his formal debut in the mainstream.
His major breakthrough came with his second studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness (2015), which included massive hits like "Can't Feel My Face" and "The Hills". The album’s commercial success helped The Weeknd win two Grammy Awards, solidifying his global presence.
In 2016, The Weeknd's third album, Starboy, took his career to even greater heights. Featuring collaborations with Daft Punk, the album’s title track and singles like "I Feel It Coming" were global hits. With a darker, futuristic aesthetic, Starboy further cemented him as a crossover pop-R&B icon.
The Weeknd has consistently pushed genre boundaries, blending elements of pop, R&B, soul, and electronic music, all while maintaining a melancholic, introspective tone. His music often delves into personal topics like love, addiction, and self-destructive behavior, themes that resonate widely across diverse audiences.
The Weeknd's influence spans across various genres and industries. His collaborations with some of the most notable artists of this generation include Drake, Ariana Grande, Kanye West, Lana Del Rey, and Travis Scott. His partnership with Daft Punk on Starboy brought him critical acclaim and further showcased his ability to blend different musical worlds seamlessly.
Beyond music, The Weeknd has ventured into acting, most notably in the HBO series "The Idol" in 2023, which he co-created. His Super Bowl LV halftime performance in 2021 further demonstrated his wide-reaching influence and solidified his position as a household name.
In 2020, The Weeknd released After Hours, which introduced a more experimental sound that blended 80s synthwave with modern pop and R&B. The album produced the global hit "Blinding Lights", which became one of the most successful songs in Billboard Hot 100 history. This album delved into darker themes of heartbreak, addiction, and isolation, paired with an aesthetic marked by his now-iconic red suit and bloodied face.
Dawn FM (2022) continued The Weeknd’s exploration of existential themes. Framed as a radio broadcast hosted by Jim Carrey, the album explored the concept of purgatory and the passage of time. Its futuristic production and lyrical focus on mortality and reflection signified The Weeknd’s continued evolution as an artist.
Announced in September 2024, Hurry Up Tomorrow is set to be the final installment of the trilogy that began with After Hours and Dawn FM. The Weeknd has described this album as his most introspective, exploring themes of closure and self-acceptance. The lead single, "Dancing in the Flames", released on September 13, 2024, features 80s-inspired production and addresses themes of redemption and emotional rebirth. Another upcoming single, "Timeless", featuring Playboi Carti, is set for release on September 27, 2024.
This album may mark the end of The Weeknd persona, with Abel Tesfaye previously stating his intention to retire the moniker and move forward either under his birth name or another identity.
The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn world tour, spanning 2022-2024, has seen massive success. From performing in front of packed stadiums to broadcasting concerts worldwide, he has cemented himself as one of the most captivating live performers. His Super Bowl LV halftime show in 2021 was another defining moment, blending performance art with an innovative live spectacle.
The Weeknd’s influence extends far beyond music. His public persona, style, and thematic exploration of modern-day excess, heartbreak, and alienation resonate across cultures and generations. He has also been a pioneer in bridging the gap between underground sounds and mainstream pop, helping redefine what contemporary R&B can be.
Known for his minimalist, often dark visuals, he blends surrealism with noir influences in his music videos, contributing to his distinctive aesthetic. His red suit from the After Hours era became a cultural symbol, representing his journey through heartbreak, fame, and redemption.
The Weeknd has made significant contributions to various causes, including:
His humanitarian work has received widespread praise, aligning his global influence with meaningful, impactful causes.
The Weeknd’s music is characterized by its atmospheric production, emotional lyrics, and genre-blending style. His signature falsetto, paired with lyrics that explore themes of love, loneliness, addiction, and self-reflection, has captivated listeners worldwide. Drawing on inspirations like Michael Jackson, David Bowie, and Prince, The Weeknd has carved out a niche that bridges pop, R&B, and alternative music.
His ability to tap into deeply personal and universal emotions has influenced a generation of artists, shaping the direction of modern R&B and pop music.
Throughout his career, The Weeknd has achieved numerous accolades:
As one of the best-selling artists of all time, The Weeknd’s legacy is one of innovation, blending genres and emotional storytelling that pushes the boundaries of modern music. With his upcoming album Hurry Up Tomorrow, he is set to further cement his place as one of the most influential artists of the 21st century. His cultural and musical contributions continue to resonate across generations, and his potential shift away from "The Weeknd" persona marks the start of an exciting new phase in his career.
We'll be updating this list as new records are announced, so check back often! *Originally published on July 11, 2024.
The Weeknd makes history with 18 billion-stream hits, including the record-breaking "Blinding Lights," as he gears up for a new era with Hurry Up Tomorrow.
Apple's September 9, 2024, It’s Glowtime event featured the world premiere of The Weeknd's cinematic music video “Dancing in the Flames,” filmed entirely in 4K using the iPhone 16 Pro's groundbreaking Dolby Vision and 120fps capabilities, building excitement for his upcoming album "Hurry Up Tomorrow."
The Weeknd's São Paulo concert featured seven new songs from his upcoming album "Hurry Up Tomorrow," with surprise performances by Playboi Carti and Anitta.
The Weeknd teases his highly anticipated album Hurry Up Tomorrow, marking the final chapter in his groundbreaking trilogy with a reflective exploration of identity and personal evolution.
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