The Weeknd

The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is a renowned Canadian rhythm-and-blues singer and songwriter. He is known for his distinctive voice, often characterized by a soaring falsetto and a unique tremolo. He has gained fame for his explicit lyrics that explore themes of sex, drugs, and personal struggles, many of which are autobiographical.

The Weeknd’s Ethiopian heritage influences his artistry. He dropped out of high school in grade 11 and left home to pursue a lifestyle of partying and music. He eventually found work at American Apparel while simultaneously writing songs that reflected his tumultuous experiences.

His breakthrough came when he began collaborating with producer Jeremy Rose, leading to the creation of three atmospheric tracks: “The Morning,” “Loft Music,” and “What You Need.” These songs, released anonymously in late 2010, quickly gained traction after being featured on the blog of Canadian rapper Drake. The growing popularity of his music facilitated the release of his debut mixtape, House of Balloons, in March 2011, which received critical acclaim and was shortlisted for Canada’s Polaris Music Prize.

In 2011, he released two more mixtapes, Thursday and Echoes of Silence, further solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary R&B. In 2012, he signed with Republic Records and released Trilogy, a compilation of his early work, which became a commercial success.

His first studio album, Kiss Land, released in 2013, marked a transition into mainstream music, although it did not achieve the same level of success as his previous projects. Seeking to refine his sound, The Weeknd partnered with producer Max Martin, leading to a string of hits, including “Earned It,” featured on the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack, and the chart-topping singles “The Hills” and “Can’t Feel My Face” from his 2015 album Beauty Behind the Madness. This album won several awards, including Grammy Awards for Best Urban Contemporary Album.

His subsequent album, Starboy (2016), featured collaborations with artists like Daft Punk and Kendrick Lamar, earning him another Grammy. His 2018 EP, My Dear Melancholy, marked a return to his darker, more introspective roots.

In 2020, he released After Hours, which included the record-breaking single “Blinding Lights,” becoming the most-streamed song in Spotify history and the longest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100. His fifth studio album, Dawn FM, released in 2022, showcased a shift towards dance-pop, accompanied by a narrative-driven concept and Jim Carrey’s narration.

Beyond music, The Weeknd has ventured into acting, appearing in the critically panned HBO series The Idol in 2023. His impact on the music industry is underscored by numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards, 20 Billboard Music Awards, and over 75 million records sold globally, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time.

An advocate for social issues, The Weeknd was appointed a World Food Programme Goodwill Ambassador in 2021. In 2023, he was recognized as the “world’s most popular artist” by Guinness World Records, a testament to his profound influence on contemporary music and culture.