Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known as The Weeknd, is a Canadian singer-songwriter recognized for his unique music production and falsetto. Emerging in 2009, he gained fame with mixtapes that led to his signing with Republic Records.
His albums, including “Beauty Behind the Madness” and “Starboy,” topped the US charts, with hits like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “Blinding Lights.”
The Weeknd has sold over 75 million records, holds several streaming and Billboard records, and has been honored as a World Food Programme Goodwill Ambassador. His accolades include multiple Grammy and Billboard Music Awards.
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The Weeknd Net Worth
The Weeknd has a net worth of $300 million engaging in various entrepreneurial activities. He collaborated with ONE Condom during his 2013 Kiss Land tour and partnered with Pax Labs in 2015 for a limited-edition vaporizer.
He’s worked with fashion brands like Alexander Wang and Puma, and launched a clothing line with H&M, although he severed ties due to a controversy. He also teamed up with Marvel Comics for a “Starboy” comic and A Bathing Ape for apparel. Additionally, he’s involved in esports with OverActive Media and promotes Black entrepreneurship through HXOUSE, partnering with TD Bank and the Canadian government.
Early life
Born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada, Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known as The Weeknd, is the only child of Ethiopian immigrants. Raised in Scarborough by his mother and grandmother, he dropped out of school at 17, living with friends and adopting his stage name during this turbulent period.
He experienced homelessness and incarceration, using these challenges to refocus on his music. Tesfaye initially used drugs as a creative crutch and performed under various aliases before finding fame. He is fluent in Amharic and French, and has been educated through immersion and local institutes.
Career
The Weeknd began releasing music anonymously on YouTube in 2009, catching the attention of notable figures like Drake who aided in his rise to fame. By 2011, he released three mixtapes that reshaped contemporary R&B, leading to a deal with Republic Records and his “Trilogy” compilation album.
Tesfaye’s albums “Kiss Land” and the pop-centric “Beauty Behind the Madness” and “Starboy” earned critical and commercial success. He continued to evolve musically with “After Hours” and “Dawn FM,” exploring new wave and synth-pop sounds. Tesfaye has won multiple awards, including Grammys, and has contributed significantly to modern R&B’s evolution.
Personal life
Tesfaye’s notable relationships include Bella Hadid and Selena Gomez, and he’s currently with Simi Khadra, who maintains a low profile. Recognized for his unique hairstyle once likened to artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, he changed it in 2016.
Tesfaye, who describes himself as “sober lite,” had a past encounter with the law in 2015 but now focuses on a quieter life, residing in Bel Air and openly discussing his ADHD as of 2023.
What happened to The Weeknd?
On Monday, the Canadian artist updated his Twitter and Instagram to display his birth name instead of his stage name. This change is part of a broader plan to “kill The Weeknd,” Tesfaye explained in a May 8 interview with W Magazine. “I’m going through a cathartic path right now,” he stated.
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Conclusion
The Weeknd’s life, marked by highs and lows, showcases the journey of a relentless artist who rose from humble beginnings to global stardom. His talent and tenacity have made him a force to reckon with in the music industry.
FAQs about The Weeknd:
- What is The Weeknd’s real name? Abel Makkonen Tesfaye.
- How did Abel start his music career? He began by uploading his music to YouTube.
- Is Abel of Ethiopian descent? Yes, both his parents emigrated from Ethiopia to Canada.
- Has The Weeknd ever won a Grammy? Yes, he has won four Grammy Awards among other accolades.
- Where did Abel grow up? He grew up in Toronto, Ontario.
