About

The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is a critically acclaimed and commercially successful R&B singer-songwriter and music producer. He rose to prominence in the early 2010s, captivating audiences with his distinctive voice, atmospheric production, and emotionally resonant lyrics. He is a three-time Grammy winner and has achieved numerous top ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying his status as a global superstar.

Before Fame

Before achieving mainstream success, The Weeknd began his musical journey by anonymously uploading his songs to YouTube in 2010. This early exposure helped him cultivate a dedicated following and generate buzz around his unique sound. His initial anonymity added to the mystique surrounding his persona, further fueling the intrigue of his music.

Career Highlights

The Weeknd's career took off with the release of his mixtape, House of Balloons, which garnered widespread critical acclaim and cemented his position as a rising star. His debut album, Trilogy, achieved gold certification, further validating his artistic vision and commercial appeal. He has since released several chart-topping albums and singles, including "The Hills," "Can't Feel My Face," and "Starboy," all of which have solidified his place in music history. In 2018, he expanded his creative endeavors by releasing his own Marvel comic book titled Starboy, based on his established image. He made his film debut in the 2019 movie Uncut Gems.

Trivia

• The Weeknd was the first artist in history to simultaneously hold the top three positions on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.
• His real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye.
• He speaks Amharic.

Family Life

The Weeknd's parents are from Ethiopia, and he is an only child. He has had a well-documented romantic life, having been in an on-and-off relationship with Bella Hadid starting in 2015. He also dated Selena Gomez for approximately a year before their separation in late 2017. He also dated Alice Ustinova. In 2022, he began dating Simi Khadra.