Abel Makkonen Tesfaye

Abel Tesfaye, known professionally as The Weeknd, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He gained recognition in the early 2010s for his dark and atmospheric R&B style, characterized by his soaring vocals and explicit lyrics exploring themes of love, sex, and drugs.

Early Life

Born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, Tesfaye was raised by his Ethiopian grandmother after his parents separated. He dropped out of high school and left home at 17, adopting the stage name "The Weeknd" after a weekend he left home and never returned (though a bandmate later claimed the "e" was dropped to avoid copyright issues with a Canadian band).

Career

Tesfaye initially gained attention through anonymous mixtapes released online in 2010 and 2011. His debut studio album, Kiss Land, was released in 2013, followed by the critically acclaimed Beauty Behind the Madness in 2015, which featured the hit singles "Can't Feel My Face" and "The Hills." He continued his success with albums like Starboy (2016) and After Hours (2020), solidifying his status as a global superstar. His music has evolved over the years, incorporating elements of pop, electronic music, and new wave.

Endorsements

The Weeknd has been involved in various endorsements, including collaborations with brands like Puma, H&M, and Mercedes-Benz.

Personal Life

Tesfaye has maintained a relatively private personal life, though his relationships have been subject to media attention. He has been romantically linked to several high-profile figures.

Awards

The Weeknd has won numerous awards throughout his career, including multiple Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and American Music Awards. He has also achieved several chart-topping singles and albums internationally.