The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, was born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada. He is a celebrated singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his distinctive fusion of alternative R&B, pop, and electronic music. With chart-topping hits like “Blinding Lights,” “Starboy,” and “Can’t Feel My Face,” The Weeknd has established himself as a significant force in modern music, earning numerous Grammy Awards and achieving worldwide recognition.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Abel Makkonen Tesfaye |
| Date of Birth | February 16, 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Partner | Reportedly dating DJ Simi Khadra (as of 2022) |
| Children | None |
| Occupations | Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actor |
| Labels | XO, Republic Records |
| Net Worth | Estimated $300 million (as of February 2025) |
Early Life and Education
Abel Tesfaye spent his childhood in Scarborough, a district of Toronto. His parents, both Ethiopian immigrants, separated when he was young. Raised by his grandmother, he grew up speaking both Amharic and English.
Abel faced a difficult upbringing; he began using drugs early on and left high school in 2007 after attending West Hill Collegiate Institute and Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute. He moved out of his home to Parkdale, Toronto, to focus on his music career.
Career
The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, began his music career in 2009 by anonymously sharing songs on YouTube.
He gained significant attention with his 2011 mixtapes (House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence), which were later compiled into the album Trilogy (2012).
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His first studio album, Kiss Land (2013), showcased his signature dark R&B style, while Beauty Behind the Madness (2015) propelled him to international stardom with hits like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills.”
In 2016, he released Starboy, which featured the chart-topping title track and collaborations with Daft Punk. His fourth studio album, After Hours (2020), included the massive hit “Blinding Lights,” which became one of the most-streamed songs of all time.
In 2022, The Weeknd released Dawn FM, a concept album that delves into themes of purgatory, and co-headlined Coachella alongside Swedish House Mafia. He also kicked off the “After Hours til Dawn” tour, which grossed over $130 million during its initial leg.
In 2023, The Weeknd released his first live album, Live at SoFi Stadium, and starred in the HBO series The Idol, which received mixed reviews but led to a successful soundtrack.
He made history by becoming the first artist to surpass 100 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
His most recent album, Hurry Up Tomorrow (2025), reflects his evolving artistry and was performed at the Grammys shortly after its release. He has hinted at retiring the “The Weeknd” persona for future projects.
Personal Life
The Weeknd has been involved in several high-profile relationships with supermodel Bella Hadid and singer Selena Gomez. As of 2022, he is reportedly dating DJ Simi Khadra.
Despite his celebrity status, The Weeknd maintains a relatively private personal life but has expressed interest in starting a family in the future.
The Weeknd Net Worth
As of February 2025, The Weeknd’s net worth is estimated to be around $300 million. He ranks among the highest-earning entertainers globally, with annual earnings reaching up to $90 million during touring years.
In addition to music, he has ventured into business through brand partnerships and his XO merchandise line.
Discography
The Weeknd’s discography includes:
- Studio Albums: Kiss Land (2013), Beauty Behind the Madness (2015), Starboy (2016), After Hours (2020), Dawn FM (2022)
- Mixtapes: House of Balloons (2011), Thursday (2011), Echoes of Silence (2011)
- Compilation Albums: Trilogy (2012) and more
- Notable Singles: “Blinding Lights,” “Starboy,” “The Hills,” “Can’t Feel My Face,” “Save Your Tears.”
Awards and Nominations
Throughout his career, The Weeknd has garnered numerous awards:
- Grammy Awards: Multiple wins including Best Urban Contemporary Album for both Beauty Behind the Madness and Starboy
- Billboard Music Awards: Over 20 wins
- American Music Awards: Multiple wins
- Academy Award Nomination: Best Original Song for “Earned It” from the soundtrack of Fifty Shades of Grey
- Guinness World Records: Recognized for milestones such as the most-streamed album on Spotify (After Hours).
The Weeknd’s artistic creativity and global impact continue to influence the music industry while enchanting audiences around the world.
