Discover The Weeknd's full biography, including his early life, career journey, top songs, net worth, family, controversies, awards, and lifestyle. Read the complete story now.
The Weeknd Biography: Life, Career, Songs, and Achievements
Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, famously known as The Weeknd, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer who has taken the music world by storm. His mysterious persona, haunting vocals, and genre-blending music have made him one of the most influential contemporary artists of the 21st century. From humble beginnings in Toronto to global superstardom, The Weeknd’s life story is one of struggle, talent, and remarkable achievements.
The Weekend Biography Snippet
| Biography Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Abel Makkonen Tesfaye |
| Stage Name | The Weeknd |
| Birth Date | February 16, 1990 |
| Birth Place | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Current City | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Parents | Father: Abel Tesfaye, Mother: Makkonen Tesfaye |
| Siblings | Sister: Mikaela Tesfaye |
| Early Education | Dropped out of high school in Toronto |
| Career Start | Uploaded music anonymously on YouTube (2010) |
| Breakthrough | Trilogy mixtape release (2012) |
| Top Albums | Kiss Land, Beauty Behind the Madness, Starboy, After Hours, Dawn FM |
| Top Songs | Blinding Lights, Can’t Feel My Face, Starboy, The Hills, Save Your Tears |
| Age | 35 Years (2025) |
| Height | 5’8” (173 cm) |
| Weight | 63 kg (139 lbs) |
| Net Worth | $100 Million |
| Relationships | Former girlfriends: Bella Hadid, Selena Gomez (not married) |
| Awards | 4 Grammy Awards, 3 American Music Awards, 9 Billboard Music Awards |
| Social Media |
Instagram: @theweeknd Twitter: @theweeknd Facebook: The Weeknd Official TikTok: @theweeknd |
Early Life and Childhood
Abel Makkonen Tesfaye was born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He was born to Ethiopian immigrant parents: his mother, Makkonen Tesfaye, and his father, Abel Tesfaye. He grew up in the Scarborough district of Toronto and faced a challenging childhood marked by poverty, parental separation, and a lack of stability.
The Weeknd was raised primarily by his mother and grandmother after his parents separated. He has a sister, Mikaela Tesfaye, and their close-knit Ethiopian heritage influenced his cultural identity and musical style. Despite the hardships, his early exposure to music shaped his passion for singing, songwriting, and production.
From a young age, Abel gravitated towards music, experimenting with recording and creating songs at home. He was drawn to artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, and R. Kelly, which heavily influenced his vocal style and artistic expression. By the time he was a teenager, he had dropped out of high school and was determined to pursue a career in music.
Early Career Struggles
Before fame, The Weeknd faced significant challenges in breaking into the music industry. He uploaded music anonymously to YouTube in 2010, creating an aura of mystery by not revealing his identity. His early works were raw, experimental, and emotionally intense, reflecting his troubled teenage years.
His first breakthrough came when he collaborated with producer Doc McKinney and released several self-produced tracks, eventually forming the mixtape “House of Balloons” in 2011. The mixtape gained critical acclaim and positioned him as a rising star in alternative R&B. Despite the attention, The Weeknd continued to struggle financially, often performing small gigs and working odd jobs.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
The Weeknd’s major breakthrough came when he signed with Republic Records in 2012. His trilogy of mixtapes—House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence—was later remastered and released as “Trilogy”, which became a commercial success. The project received praise for its unique blend of R&B, pop, and electronic music, showcasing Abel’s versatility and dark, introspective lyrics.
His hit single “Wicked Games” and collaboration with Drake on tracks like “Crew Love” propelled him further into mainstream attention. Critics lauded his ability to evoke raw emotion through haunting melodies, making him stand out from contemporary artists.
Major Albums and Chart-Topping Songs
Over the years, The Weeknd has released multiple chart-topping albums:
✔ “Kiss Land” (2013): His debut studio album explored darker themes of fame and isolation.
✔ “Beauty Behind the Madness” (2015): Featuring hits like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills”, it earned him global recognition.
✔ “Starboy” (2016): With collaborations with Daft Punk, the album won a Grammy Award and solidified his position in pop culture.
✔ “After Hours” (2020): Including the massive hit “Blinding Lights”, the album broke records for Billboard charts and streaming numbers.
✔ “Dawn FM” (2022): A concept album blending synth-pop, R&B, and dance music, it showcased his continued innovation.
Some of his top songs include:
✔ Blinding Lights
✔ Can’t Feel My Face
✔ Save Your Tears
✔ Starboy
✔ The Hills
✔ Earned It
✔ Often
✔ Heartless
✔ In Your Eyes
✔ Call Out My Name
Acting and Other Ventures
In addition to music, The Weeknd has dabbled in acting and production. He made appearances in television series such as American Dad and voiced characters in animated projects. He also launched his own record label, XO, supporting emerging artists.
Moreover, he has ventured into fashion collaborations, brand endorsements, and has even collaborated with Fortnite for in-game performances, expanding his influence beyond music.
Personal Life and Relationships
The Weeknd is known for keeping his personal life relatively private, though some high-profile relationships have captured public attention. He dated model Bella Hadid and later singer Selena Gomez, sparking media frenzy. He is often linked to his work and humanitarian efforts rather than tabloids.
Family remains central to his life. He shares strong ties with his Ethiopian roots and has consistently referenced his upbringing in Toronto in interviews and music.
Physical Stats
✔ Height: 5’8” (173 cm)
✔ Weight: 63 kg (139 lbs)
✔ Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
✔ Age: 35 Years (as of 2025)
Net Worth and Lifestyle
The Weeknd’s net worth is estimated at $100 million. He enjoys a luxurious lifestyle, owning multiple properties in Toronto, Los Angeles, and hidden private estates. He collects high-end cars, including Lamborghinis and Rolls-Royces, and frequently features his lavish lifestyle on social media.
Awards and Achievements
The Weeknd has amassed numerous awards and accolades:
✔ 4 Grammy Awards
✔ 3 American Music Awards
✔ 9 Billboard Music Awards
✔ Academy Award Nomination for “Earned It”
✔ Multiple Guinness World Records for streaming and chart history
Controversies and Scandals
While The Weeknd is celebrated globally, his career hasn’t been free from controversy:
✔ Criticism for explicit lyrics and provocative music videos
✔ Public scrutiny over his relationships
✔ Legal disputes related to music sampling
Despite these, his talent and artistic innovation have overshadowed most controversies.
Social Media Presence
The Weeknd maintains an active presence across multiple platforms:
✔ Instagram: @theweeknd
✔ Twitter/X: @theweeknd
✔ Facebook: The Weeknd Official
✔ TikTok: @theweeknd
FAQ Section
Q1: Who is The Weeknd?
A1: The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his genre-blending music and iconic hits.
Q2: How old is The Weeknd?
A2: The Weeknd was born on February 16, 1990, making him 35 years old as of 2025.
Q3: What are The Weeknd’s top songs?
A3: Some of his top songs include Blinding Lights, Can’t Feel My Face, Starboy, The Hills, and Save Your Tears.
Q4: What is The Weeknd’s net worth?
A4: The Weeknd’s net worth is estimated at $100 million, earned through music, tours, and business ventures.
Q5: Is The Weeknd married?
A5: No, The Weeknd is not married, but he has had high-profile relationships with Bella Hadid and Selena Gomez.
Q6: What awards has The Weeknd won?
A6: He has won 4 Grammy Awards, 3 American Music Awards, and 9 Billboard Music Awards, among others.
Q7: Where was The Weeknd born?
A7: He was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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