The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye on February 16, 1990, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer who rose from underground anonymity to global stardom. He launched his career in late 2010 by anonymously uploading songs to YouTube under the name “The Weeknd,” quickly gaining attention for his unique blend of atmospheric R&B and dark, emotive themes.
In 2011, he released three critically acclaimed mixtapes—House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence—which were later remastered and compiled into the album Trilogy (2012) under Republic Records and his own XO label. These projects introduced his haunting vocal style and introspective songwriting to a wider audience.
His debut studio album, Kiss Land (2013), marked a more polished, cinematic sound, supported by singles like “Kiss Land” and “Live For.” However, it was his second album, Beauty Behind the Madness (2015), that catapulted him into mainstream success. The album topped the US Billboard 200 and featured hits such as “Earned It,” “The Hills,” and “Can’t Feel My Face.” Remarkably, The Weeknd became the first artist to hold the top three positions simultaneously on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.
In 2016, his third album, Starboy, debuted along with its title track, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, further cementing his place as a leading figure in contemporary music. Throughout his career, The Weeknd has won multiple accolades, including three Grammy Awards and nine Juno Awards, reflecting his innovation and influence in R&B and pop.
Known for his genre-blending sound, emotive lyricism, and enigmatic persona, The Weeknd continues to evolve as an artist, captivating audiences worldwide with his moody, atmospheric music and compelling performances.