Personal Details :
- Real Name: Abel Makkonen Tesfaye
- Stage Name: The Weeknd
- Birth Date: February 16, 1990
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Nationality: Canadian
- Ethnicity: Ethiopian
- Languages: English, Amharic
- Genres: R&B, Pop, Alternative R&B, Synth-pop
- Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actor
- Years Active: 2010–present
Social Media Presence :
The Weeknd, known for his selective and curated digital presence, effectively uses social media platforms to maintain his artistic mystique while staying connected with millions of fans worldwide. Whether teasing new music, showcasing behind-the-scenes moments, or supporting social causes, his social media presence is a blend of artistry, promotion, and activism.
- Instagram: @theweeknd
- Twitter (X): @theweeknd
- OnlyFans: The Weeknd
- Facebook: The Weeknd
- TikTok: @theweeknd
- Website: www.theweeknd.com
Career Overview :
The Weeknd’s career began in 2010 when he anonymously uploaded three tracks to YouTube under the name “The Weeknd.” These songs quickly garnered attention for their dark, moody atmosphere and unique vocal style. In 2011, he released three critically acclaimed mixtapes—House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence—that laid the foundation for a new subgenre of alternative R&B.
His compilation album Trilogy (2012) marked his first official release under Republic Records. In 2013, he released his debut studio album, Kiss Land, which explored themes of fame, paranoia, and lust. While not a commercial blockbuster, it solidified his position in the music industry.
The Weeknd reached mainstream success with his second studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness (2015). The album included hits such as “Can’t Feel My Face,” “The Hills,” and “Earned It,” and won him two Grammy Awards. It became a global sensation and turned him into a household name.
In 2016, he released Starboy, a bold, genre-bending album that featured collaborations with Daft Punk. The title track “Starboy” and “I Feel It Coming” became worldwide hits, and the album won Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 2018 Grammy Awards.
After Hours (2020) marked a major artistic milestone. The album, featuring the record-breaking single “Blinding Lights,” embraced 1980s synth-pop influences and received universal acclaim. Despite being snubbed by the Grammys, it cemented The Weeknd’s place as a visionary artist.
In 2021, he performed the Super Bowl LV halftime show, a visually captivating performance that reached over 100 million viewers. He followed up with Dawn FM (2022), an experimental album narrated by actor Jim Carrey that took listeners on a metaphysical journey through the afterlife via a fictional radio station.
By 2024, The Weeknd had diversified his career further into acting and production, co-creating and starring in the HBO series The Idol, and contributing to various film soundtracks. He has sold over 75 million records globally and continues to evolve artistically, unbound by conventional genre limits.
Whether through sound, visuals, or storytelling, The Weeknd remains one of the most influential and unpredictable artists of his generation.
Personal Life & Interests :
Despite his global fame, The Weeknd has remained relatively private about his personal life. Known for carefully curating his public persona, he often lets his music speak for his emotional experiences and inner thoughts.
Relationships
The Weeknd has had several high-profile relationships that have drawn media attention. He dated model Bella Hadid on and off between 2015 and 2019. He was also briefly linked to pop star Selena Gomez in 2017. His relationships have inspired some of his most emotionally raw and introspective songs.
Lifestyle and Personality
Abel Tesfaye is known for being introspective, soft-spoken, and artistically driven. While his early music often referenced drug use and emotional detachment, he has since stated in interviews that he’s moved away from some of the darker aspects of his past lifestyle. He is focused on creative growth, health, and longevity in the entertainment industry.
Interests and Hobbies
- Film: The Weeknd has a deep passion for cinema. He has often referenced filmmakers like Stanley Kubrick, David Lynch, and Gaspar Noé as influences on his music videos and storytelling style.
- Visual Art: He’s heavily involved in the visual direction of his albums and performances, creating immersive narratives and characters for each era.
- Fashion: A style icon in his own right, The Weeknd has collaborated with brands like Puma, BAPE, and H&M, and often experiments with bold, minimalist fashion in his public appearances.
- Gaming & Anime: He has shown an interest in anime and video games, both of which influence his aesthetic and branding, especially in music videos and digital art.
- Philanthropy: Passionate about humanitarian causes, he’s donated millions to various global and local initiatives including racial justice, COVID-19 relief, food security, and support for Ethiopia.
Public Persona vs. Private Self
While his stage persona often embodies excess, heartbreak, and mystery, those who work closely with him describe Abel as humble, focused, and deeply committed to his craft. He maintains a strong separation between his private life and his artistic output, which adds to his enigmatic appeal.
Net Worth :
As of 2025, The Weeknd’s net worth is estimated at approximately $300 million, according to multiple reputable sources, including Celebrity Net Worth and Wealthypipo. This impressive fortune has been amassed through a combination of his highly successful music career, lucrative tours, strategic business ventures, and savvy investments.
Key Income Sources
- Music Sales & Streaming: The Weeknd has sold over 75 million records worldwide and holds the record for the most songs with over 1 billion streams on Spotify (27 tracks). His single “Blinding Lights” remains the most-streamed song on the platform.
- Tours: His 2023 “After Hours til Dawn Tour” grossed over $350 million, selling more than 1 million tickets worldwide. Notably, he broke attendance records at venues like London Stadium and Rio de Janeiro’s Nilton Santos Stadium.
- Brand Collaborations: The Weeknd has partnered with brands such as Puma, BAPE, and H&M, and has launched his own XO merchandise line, contributing significantly to his income.
- Investments: He has made strategic investments in companies like Tesla and Virgin Galactic, further diversifying his financial portfolio.
- Real Estate: The Weeknd owns a luxurious $70 million mansion in Bel Air, Los Angeles, and has previously owned properties in Hidden Hills and Beverly Hills.
Annual Earnings
In years when actively touring, The Weeknd’s annual income can reach up to $90 million before taxes. Additionally, his YouTube channel, with over 23.9 million subscribers and 19.4 billion views, generates approximately $15 million annually from ad revenue and royalties.
Philanthropy
Beyond his entertainment ventures, The Weeknd is committed to philanthropy. He has donated millions to various causes, including racial justice initiatives, humanitarian aid in Ethiopia, and COVID-19 relief efforts. In 2021, he was appointed as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the World Food Programme, further solidifying his dedication to global humanitarian efforts.
Awards & Achievements :
The Weeknd has established himself as one of the most critically acclaimed and awarded artists of his generation. His unique blend of alternative R&B, pop, and electronic music has earned him numerous prestigious accolades, reflecting both commercial success and artistic innovation.
Major Awards
- Grammy Awards: Winner of 4 Grammys, including Best Urban Contemporary Album for Beauty Behind the Madness (2016) and Starboy (2018). Despite multiple nominations, he has faced some notable snubs, particularly for his album After Hours.
- American Music Awards (AMAs): Over 10 wins, including Artist of the Year (2016) and Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist multiple times.
- Billboard Music Awards: Winner of 10+ awards, including Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Streaming Songs Artist, and Top R&B Artist.
- Juno Awards: Multiple wins as a Canadian artist, including Album of the Year and R&B/Soul Recording of the Year.
- MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs): Several wins for Best R&B Video and Best Visual Effects.
- Golden Globe Award: Won Best Original Song for “Earned It” from the film Fifty Shades of Grey (2016).
Notable Records & Honors
- “Blinding Lights” holds the record for the longest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100, spending over 90 weeks on the chart.
- First artist to have 27 songs each with over 1 billion streams on Spotify.
- His Super Bowl LV halftime show in 2021 was watched by over 100 million viewers, one of the most viewed performances in Super Bowl history.
- Included in Time Magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World (2021).
- Has received multiple Guinness World Records related to streaming, sales, and chart longevity.
Other Recognitions
- Named Billboard’s Artist of the Decade for the 2010s.
- Recipient of the World Music Award for Best Male Artist.
- Multiple nominations for Academy Awards (Oscars) and Golden Globes for his soundtrack contributions.
Through his groundbreaking work and consistent chart dominance, The Weeknd continues to set new standards in contemporary music and pop culture.
Fun Facts :
- The Weeknd’s stage name was inspired by him dropping out of high school one weekend and never returning. He added an extra “e” to avoid trademark issues with a Canadian band called “The Weekend.”
- He originally kept his identity secret when he first uploaded music online, sparking rumors and intrigue about the mysterious artist.
- Abel is fluent in Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia, and occasionally incorporates Ethiopian musical influences into his work.
- He holds the record for the most Billboard Hot 100 entries by any artist born in the 1990s.
- The Weeknd’s iconic hairstyle early in his career was inspired by the comic book character “Static Shock.”
- He once took a break from social media in 2017 to focus on his craft and mental health, returning with a refreshed artistic vision.
- His music video for “Starboy” features actor and director The Weeknd himself battling his former persona in a symbolic narrative.
- He collaborated with director Anton Tammi for a series of cinematic music videos that tell interconnected stories.
- The Weeknd has a cameo in the 2019 film “Uncut Gems,” showcasing his interest in acting and storytelling beyond music.
- He is an avid fan of the Toronto Raptors and has been seen courtside at multiple NBA games.