The Weeknd | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 29, 2025

Who is The Weeknd?

The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada, is a groundbreaking artist in the alternative R&B genre. With Ethiopian heritage, his music reflects a blend of diverse influences, including traditional Ethiopian sounds and the iconic pop stylings of Michael Jackson. The Weeknd broke into the music scene with his debut mixtape, House of Balloons, in 2011. Since then, he has garnered immense popularity by collaborating with influential artists like Drake and Wiz Khalifa, while simultaneously establishing a successful solo career. His unique style, combined with mystique and introspection, has paved the way for a string of chart-topping hits and Grammy awards.

The Weeknd's discography includes critically acclaimed albums such as Beauty Behind the Madness, which featured the infectious hit "Can't Feel My Face," and Starboy, showcasing collaborations with Daft Punk. With a penchant for exploring themes of heartbreak and self-discovery, his work resonates with a broad audience. His EP, My Dear Melancholy, marked a return to his darker sound, while the album After Hours solidified his status as a pop culture phenomenon. Beyond music, his unforgettable performance at the 2021 Super Bowl halftime show further highlighted The Weeknd's impact on the entertainment industry, making him a defining voice of his generation.

Early Life and Education

The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada, grew up in a culturally rich environment shaped by his Ethiopian heritage. His parents immigrated from Ethiopia, and while his mother worked hard to provide for the family, Abel's father left when he was just a toddler. This absence had a profound impact on his upbringing, leading him to develop a sense of independence at an early age. He was raised in a challenging environment that fostered resilience and creativity, qualities that later influenced his artistic expression in music.

Abel's early exposure to diverse musical styles began at home, where traditional Ethiopian music played a significant role. He also found inspiration in Western pop culture, particularly from icons like Michael Jackson. The King of Pop’s music contributed to shaping Abel's identity as an artist, with Jackson’s 1979 hit "Don’t Stop ‘til You Get Enough" serving as a pivotal moment in his musical journey. Although Abel dropped out of high school to pursue a career in music, his self-taught skills in recording and producing would soon propel him into the limelight, showcasing his determination to succeed despite the odds stacked against him.

Breakthrough with "House of Balloons"

The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, made a remarkable debut in the music industry with his 2011 mixtape, "House of Balloons". This project showcased his unique sound, blending alternative R&B with atmospheric production and confessional lyrics. His music was a reflection of his youth, grappling with themes of love, heartbreak, and substance use. "House of Balloons" quickly garnered attention, introducing listeners to his sultry vocal style and innovative approach, which would come to define his career.

Following the success of "House of Balloons", The Weeknd collaborated with prominent artists like Drake, further solidifying his presence in the music scene. His work on Drake's critically acclaimed album "Take Care" featured several tracks from his mixtape, amplifying his visibility. The initial buzz generated by "House of Balloons" led to a deal with Universal's Republic Records, marking the beginning of his transformation from an underground artist to a mainstream superstar. The Weeknd's early artistic choices, including his refusal to engage with media and his deliberate choice of imagery, contributed to the aura of mystery surrounding him, making his music all the more compelling.

Success with "Beauty Behind the Madness" and Grammy Wins

The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, catapulted to fame with his critically acclaimed album, "Beauty Behind the Madness", released in 2015. The record marked a defining moment in his career, showcasing his unique sound that marries alternative R&B with pop elements. Anchored by the massive hit single "Can't Feel My Face," which resonated with audiences both for its catchy melody and ambiguous themes of love and substance use, the album solidified his status as one of the leading voices in contemporary music. Additionally, "The Hills," another standout track from the album, showcased his darker lyrical style, reinforcing the artistic depth he brought to mainstream music.

The success of "Beauty Behind the Madness" was not just commercial; it also garnered critical acclaim, earning the Weeknd seven Grammy nominations at the 2016 Grammy Awards. He won for Best R&B Performance for "Earned It," a song featured in the "Fifty Shades of Grey" soundtrack, and for Best Urban Contemporary Album. The recognition further propelled his career, allowing him to explore new artistic avenues and collaborations while establishing him as a powerful force in the music industry. The accolades, combined with his enigmatic persona, ensured that the Weeknd remained at the forefront of cultural conversations for years to come.

Collaborations and Continued Success

The Weeknd has established a remarkable career not only through his own releases but also via a series of high-profile collaborations. One of his significant early affiliations was with Drake, which led to features on tracks from the album "Take Care." As he carved out his niche in the music industry, he collaborated with renowned artists like Wiz Khalifa on "Remember You" and Rick Ross on his 2014 album, "Mastermind." These collaborations allowed The Weeknd to showcase his unique vocal style while simultaneously positioning him within the urban music landscape, earning him respect from other artists and fans alike.

His collaborations continued to flourish with projects like Ariana Grande's "Love Me Harder," which he co-wrote and performed on, solidifying his position as a versatile artist able to meld his sound with that of others. In 2016, The Weeknd teamed up with the acclaimed French duo Daft Punk for the title track "Starboy" and "I Feel It Coming," both of which topped charts and further emphasized his ability to blend alternative R&B with various genres. As he expanded his reach, he also lent his talents to artists like Lana Del Rey and Future, ensuring that his collaborations continued to contribute to his ongoing success and evolution as a musician.

Personal Life: Dating and Relationships

The Weeknd's dating life has often garnered considerable media attention, particularly due to his high-profile relationships with some of the music industry's most prominent female stars. Notably, he had a well-publicized romance with singer Selena Gomez in 2017. Their brief relationship, characterized by intense public scrutiny, ended after several months, but it did inspire some of The Weeknd's subsequent music. Following Gomez, he entered a relationship with model Bella Hadid, with whom he experienced an on-again, off-again dynamic, further fueling gossip columns and fan curiosity about their personal lives.

In addition to his relationships with Gomez and Hadid, The Weeknd has been linked to other famous figures, including actress Angelina Jolie. These connections often highlight the intersection of his personal life and career, as his romantic entanglements frequently influence his songwriting and artistic expression. Despite being in the spotlight, The Weeknd has maintained a degree of privacy about his personal affairs, choosing to let his music and public images speak for themselves. His complex relationships have added depth to his artistry, as many fans speculate on the emotional narratives behind his lyrics and the connections to his private experiences.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary Insights

The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, has established himself as one of the most successful musical artists of his generation, with a net worth estimated to be around $100 million as of 2023. His wealth is attributed to multiple revenue streams, including album sales, streaming, concert tours, and lucrative endorsement deals. The Weeknd’s unique style and hit singles have not only earned him critical acclaim but have also translated into significant financial success, with his tours consistently ranking among the highest-grossing in the music industry.

In addition to his music-related earnings, The Weeknd has secured major brand partnerships, such as a collaboration with Puma, which highlighted his influence in both music and fashion. His performances at high-profile events, including the Super Bowl halftime show in 2021, further bolster his income. Moreover, his ventures into other areas, like acting—which includes a role in the film "Uncut Gems"—suggest that The Weeknd is diversifying his portfolio and enhancing his financial standing beyond music in the years to come.