The Weeknd

Date of Birth: February 16, 1990

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Biography

The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his unique musical style that blends R&B, pop, and alternative genres. He was born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Raised by his mother and grandmother in the city’s Scarborough district, The Weeknd’s early life was marked by struggles with poverty and identity, which heavily influenced his music. He began his career in 2010 by anonymously uploading songs to YouTube. His early work, characterized by its dark and moody tone, quickly gained attention online, leading to the release of his critically acclaimed mixtapes “House of Balloons,” “Thursday,” and “Echoes of Silence.” These mixtapes were later compiled into the album “Trilogy” in 2012. The Weeknd’s breakthrough came with his 2013 debut studio album, “Kiss Land.” However, it was his second album, “Beauty Behind the Madness” (2015), that catapulted him to international stardom. The album included hits like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills,” earning him multiple awards and nominations. In subsequent years, The Weeknd continued to release successful albums, including “Starboy” (2016), “My Dear Melancholy,” (2018), and “After Hours” (2020). Throughout his career, he has won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards, and has been recognized for his innovative contributions to music and his distinctive voice.

5 Interesting Facts about The Weeknd

1. The Weeknd’s stage name was inspired by a weekend he spent dropping out of high school and never returning, but he dropped the “e” to avoid trademark issues with a Canadian band named The Weekend.

2. He is of Ethiopian descent, and his music often incorporates influences from Ethiopian music and culture.

3. In 2021, The Weeknd performed at the Super Bowl LV halftime show, a performance that was widely acclaimed.

4. The Weeknd has a distinctive hairstyle that became nearly as famous as his music, resembling a palm tree and becoming a part of his signature look before he cut it off in 2016.

5. He has ventured into acting, making his film debut in the 2019 film “Uncut Gems” alongside Adam Sandler.