The Weeknd Real Name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye. Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, better known by his stage name The Weeknd, is a global music sensation. Born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada, he is of Ethiopian descent. Known for his unique blend of R&B, pop, and electronic music, The Weeknd has revolutionized the music industry with his haunting falsetto and genre-defying sound.
His rise to fame started in 2010 when he released his first mixtapes, which caught the attention of hip-hop artist Drake. Since then, The Weeknd has become one of the most influential figures in contemporary music, achieving massive commercial success and critical acclaim.
From chart-topping albums to unforgettable performances, The Weeknd’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. His influence continues to shape the music world, inspiring millions of fans worldwide.
The Weeknd Biography/wiki
| Attribute | Details |
| Real Name | Abel Makkonen Tesfaye |
| Stage Name | The Weeknd |
| Born | February 16, 1990 |
| Birthplace | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian (Ethiopian descent) |
| Genres | R&B, Pop, Electronic, Hip-hop |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer |
| Years Active | 2010–present |
| Label | Republic Records, XO |
| Notable Albums | House of Balloons (2011), Beauty Behind the Madness (2015), Starboy (2016), After Hours (2020) |
| Hits | “Blinding Lights,” “Can’t Feel My Face,” “Starboy,” “The Hills,” “Earned It” |
| Awards | 4 Grammy Awards, 20 Billboard Music Awards, Juno Awards |
| Super Bowl Performance | 2021 Super Bowl LV Halftime Show |
| Acting Roles | Uncut Gems (2019), The Idol (2023) |
| Upcoming Projects | Hurry Up Tomorrow (2024 album) |
Who Is The Weeknd?
The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is a renowned Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is known for his signature falsetto and versatile blend of R&B, pop, and electronic music.
Rising to fame in the early 2010s, The Weeknd’s atmospheric mixtapes captured global attention. His distinctive style and dark, introspective lyrics earned him critical acclaim and commercial success.
Throughout his career, he has become a trendsetter in the music industry, shaping the sound of contemporary R&B and pop. His chart-topping hits like “Blinding Lights” and “Can’t Feel My Face” solidified his position as one of the world’s top artists.
The Weeknd Early Life and Family
Born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada, The Weeknd is of Ethiopian descent. His mother and grandmother immigrated to Canada in the 1980s, and Abel grew up speaking Amharic as his first language.
He faced a difficult childhood, marked by his parents’ separation and struggles in his early years. At 17, he dropped out of high school and left home to focus on his music career. His passion for music grew during his teenage years, leading him to create his first songs.
The Weeknd’s family background and personal experiences significantly influenced his emotional, raw style of songwriting.
The Weeknd Amazing Career
The Weeknd’s career took off after he released his first mixtape, House of Balloons, in 2011, which garnered significant attention. His collaboration with rapper Drake further propelled his success.
In 2012, he signed with Republic Records, releasing his first studio album, Trilogy. His breakout year came with the release of Beauty Behind the Madness (2015), which included the hit “Can’t Feel My Face.”
The Weeknd’s unique sound and innovative music videos earned him numerous awards, including Grammy Awards and Billboard Music Awards. With albums like Starboy (2016) and After Hours (2020), his career has continued to flourish with millions of records sold globally.
The Weeknd Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Weight | 209 lbs (95 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black (often styled in a distinctive “fro” or a different look) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Skin Tone | Medium to dark |
| Build | Athletic, muscular |
| Distinctive Features | Signature hair, often seen with a well-groomed beard, and a bold fashion sense |
The Weeknd Wife/Girlfriend And Relationship
As of now, The Weeknd is not publicly married. He has had notable relationships in the past, including with supermodel Bella Hadid and singer Selena Gomez. While he has kept much of his personal life private, his past relationships have often made headlines.
He is known for keeping a low profile regarding his love life, focusing instead on his music career. In 2023, The Weeknd began dating model and actress Simi Khadra, though they keep their relationship out of the spotlight.
The Weeknd’s personal life often sparks curiosity, but he remains focused on his evolving musical journey and public appearances.
The Weeknd Net Worth
| Attribute | Details |
| Net Worth | $300 million (as of 2024) |
| Primary Income Sources | Music sales, touring, brand endorsements, acting |
| Notable Assets | Real estate properties, luxury cars, private jet |
| Endorsements | Partnerships with brands like Puma, H&M, and Apple Music |
| Album Sales & Tours | Multi-platinum albums and sold-out global tours contributing significantly to wealth |
The Weeknd Future Plan and Goals
The Weeknd continues to focus on both his music and business ventures. He is working on releasing his highly anticipated album, Hurry Up Tomorrow (2024), which will be the third in a trilogy that includes After Hours and Dawn FM.
Additionally, he plans to expand his presence in acting, having already made notable appearances in Uncut Gems and The Idol. He has also expressed interest in exploring other creative avenues, including fashion and philanthropy.
The Weeknd’s goal is to continue evolving as an artist, delivering innovative music and expanding his influence in multiple industries while staying true to his artistic vision.
The Weeknd on Social Media
| Platform | Followers | Username |
| 76M+ | @theweeknd | |
| YouTube | 36.8M+ | The Weeknd |
| 17.5M+ | The Weeknd | |
| SoundCloud | 7.2M+ | @theweeknd Official |
| TikTok | 10.1M+ | @theweeknd |
Fun Facts About The Weeknd Real Name
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Real Name:
The Weeknd’s real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye. He was born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada, to Ethiopian immigrant parents.
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Stage Name Origin:
He chose the stage name “The Weeknd” after dropping the “e” from “weekend” because he had already dropped out of high school at 17, marking the start of his career.
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Multilingual:
Abel grew up speaking Amharic, as his mother and grandmother are originally from Ethiopia. His first language was Amharic before he learned English.
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Hidden Talent:
Before becoming a successful musician, The Weeknd worked at American Apparel in Toronto, where he started to focus on his music career while creating a distinct sound with atmospheric R&B and dark lyrics.
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Influence of Ethiopian Heritage:
His Ethiopian roots influence his music style, with his deep and emotional music often exploring themes of love, isolation, and heartbreak, reflecting his cultural and personal background.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Weeknd Real Name
What is The Weeknd’s real name?
His real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye.
Why did The Weeknd drop the “e” in his name?
He removed the “e” to avoid copyright issues with a similarly named artist.
Where is The Weeknd from?
He was born in Toronto, Canada, to Ethiopian immigrant parents.
Is The Weeknd married?
As of now, he is not married but has had public relationships in the past.
Conclusion
The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, has undoubtedly become one of the most influential musicians of his generation. From his early mixtapes to global hits like “Blinding Lights,” he has continuously evolved as an artist.
His music is marked by introspective lyrics and a mix of R&B, pop, and electronic sounds. Despite his fame, The Weeknd maintains a private life and focuses on his artistic growth. With upcoming projects and a goal to diversify his career, The Weeknd’s journey is far from over.