The Weeknd Biography, Net Worth, Height, Relationship and More

Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known professionally as The Weeknd, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Tesfaye began his career in 2009 by anonymously releasing music on YouTube. His unique music production and use of falsetto quickly gained recognition in the industry.

The Weeknd has been highly successful, winning numerous awards including 4 Grammy Awards, 20 Billboard Music Awards, and 22 Juno Awards. His genre-blending style encompasses pop, alternative R&B, R&B, and new wave. With popular songs like “Can’t Feel My Face,” “The Hills,” and “Blinding Lights,” he has captivated audiences worldwide.

In addition to his musical achievements, The Weeknd is known for his high-profile relationships, including his previous relationship with model Bella Hadid and singer Selena Gomez. Yet, he has managed to keep his personal life mostly private.

Standing approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, The Weeknd has a charismatic presence and a distinct fashion sense. His trademark hairstyle and avant-garde outfits reflect his artistic persona.

The Weeknd’s net worth is estimated to be around $300 million, thanks to his successful music career and various business ventures. He has collaborated with brands like Puma, Alexandra Want, Pax, One, and Marvel.

Beyond his music and financial success, The Weeknd is actively involved in philanthropic initiatives. He advocates for racial equality and was appointed as a World Food Programme Goodwill Ambassador in 2021, demonstrating his commitment to addressing global hunger and food security.

The Weeknd’s influence on the music industry is undeniable. Hailed as one of the most influential artists of his generation, he has left a lasting legacy. Time magazine recognized him as one of the world’s most influential people, and Guinness World Records named him the “world’s most popular artist” in 2023.

Fans can look forward to future projects and collaborations from The Weeknd, as he continues to push boundaries and explore new artistic territories.

Early Life and Education

Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, widely known as The Weeknd, was born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He was raised in the district of Scarborough by his mother and grandmother, as his parents are Ethiopian Amhara immigrants, Makkonen Tesfaye and Samrawit Hailu.

Tesfaye’s upbringing was deeply influenced by his Ethiopian Orthodox faith, and he attended services at the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. He completed his early schooling at West Hill Collegiate Institute and Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute in Toronto, Ontario. However, he dropped out of school to pursue his music career.

Career Beginnings and Rising Stardom

Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, embarked on his musical journey by anonymously releasing his music on YouTube in 2009. His unique sound and captivating falsetto quickly caught the attention of music enthusiasts around the world, positioning him as a rising star in the industry.

Collaborating with producer Jeremy Rose, The Weeknd released a series of mixtapes that showcased his talent and creativity. These mixtapes, including “House of Balloons,” “Thursday,” and “Echoes of Silence,” received critical acclaim and established Tesfaye’s reputation as a groundbreaking artist pushing the boundaries of R&B and pop music.

In 2012, The Weeknd signed with XO record label and Republic Records, a major milestone in his career. The following year, he released “Trilogy,” a compilation album that featured re-releases of his mixtapes along with three new songs. The album solidified his status in the mainstream music scene, further propelling his rise to stardom.

• YouTube served as the launchpad for The Weeknd’s success, allowing him to connect with a global audience and build a dedicated fan base.
• His mixtapes, namely “House of Balloons,” “Thursday,” and “Echoes of Silence,” showcased his boundary-pushing sound and garnered critical acclaim.
• Signing with XO record label and Republic Records in 2012 provided The Weeknd with a platform to elevate his career and reach a broader audience.
• The release of “Trilogy” in 2013 solidified his position in the music industry, combining his mixtapes with new tracks and captivating listeners even further.

Breakthrough Success and Chart-Topping Hits

Tesfaye, widely known as The Weeknd, experienced a monumental breakthrough in his career with his second studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness, released in 2015. The album soared to the top of the US Billboard 200 chart, cementing his status as a chart-topping artist.

With this album, The Weeknd achieved unprecedented success, thanks to a string of hit songs that captivated audiences worldwide. Tracks like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills” dominated the airwaves, earning him commercial success and critical acclaim. The irresistible hooks and infectious melodies mesmerized listeners, solidifying his spot as one of the industry’s hottest talents.

The momentum continued for The Weeknd with subsequent albums, including Starboy (2016) and After Hours (2020). Each of these albums demonstrated his evolution as an artist, pushing the boundaries of his unique blend of genres and captivating his audience.

The Phenomenon of “Blinding Lights”

However, it was his single “Blinding Lights” that truly sent shockwaves through the music industry. The song’s irresistible ’80s-inspired synth-pop sound paired with The Weeknd’s trademark falsetto voice created an instant sensation. The track quickly became a global phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and breaking numerous records.

“Blinding Lights” spent a record-breaking 88 consecutive weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and garnered billions of streams on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, solidifying its place as one of the most successful songs of all time. Its nostalgic yet modern production captivated audiences, further propelling The Weeknd into superstardom.

The Weeknd’s ability to consistently produce chart-topping hits showcases his unique talent and innovative approach to music. His unconventional blend of genres, coupled with his distinct voice and captivating performances, has earned him a devoted fan base and secured his status as one of the industry’s most influential artists.

• Notable Hits:
• “Can’t Feel My Face”
• “The Hills”
• “Blinding Lights”

Awards and Recognitions

Tesfaye’s extraordinary talent and exceptional achievements have garnered him numerous prestigious awards and well-deserved recognition in the music industry. His innovative approach to music production and his captivating performances have solidified his status as a highly respected artist.

Among his many accolades, Tesfaye has been honored with:

• 4 Grammy Awards
• 20 Billboard Music Awards
• 22 Juno Awards
• 6 American Music Awards
• 2 MTV Video Music Awards
• Nominations for an Academy Award and a Primetime Emmy Award

These awards are a testament to Tesfaye’s immense talent, creativity, and influence in the music industry. His ability to merge various genres and push the boundaries of conventional sound has captivated audiences worldwide.

Through his captivating music and groundbreaking performances, Tesfaye continues to make a lasting impact on the industry, inspiring and influencing aspiring artists.

Net Worth and Financial Success

The Weeknd, with an estimated net worth of around $300 million, has achieved remarkable financial success throughout his career. In addition to his music ventures, he has successfully ventured into various business opportunities and brand collaborations, further contributing to his impressive wealth.

Business Ventures

Aside from his music career, The Weeknd has displayed his entrepreneurial skills through strategic business ventures. He has partnered with renowned brands such as Puma, Alexandra Want, Pax, One, and Marvel, leveraging his influence and creativity to create successful collaborations.

Brand Collaborations

By collaborating with prominent brands, The Weeknd has further expanded his financial success. These brand collaborations, ranging from fashion to technology, have not only provided valuable exposure but also lucrative financial returns, significantly enhancing his net worth.

• One of his notable collaborations is with Puma, where he released a successful line of sneakers and apparel.
• His partnership with Alexandra Want, a high-end fashion brand, showcased his unique style and further solidified his status as a fashion icon.
• Pax, a leading cannabis vaporizer company, collaborated with The Weeknd to create a signature vaporizer brand.
• Another significant collaboration was with the popular streetwear brand One, which resulted in the creation of exclusive merchandise.
• The Weeknd also collaborated with Marvel to produce a comic book series inspired by his album “Starboy,” further extending his influence beyond the music industry.

The astute business decisions and brand collaborations of The Weeknd have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in his impressive net worth, cementing his status as not just a talented musician but also a savvy entrepreneur.

Personal Life and Relationships

The Weeknd, alongside his successful music career, has been a subject of public interest when it comes to his personal life and relationships. He has been romantically linked to several high-profile individuals over the years.

Bella Hadid

One of The Weeknd’s most notable relationships was with the American model Bella Hadid. The two were in a relationship from 2015 to 2016, capturing the attention of the media and fans alike.

Selena Gomez

The Canadian singer also had a highly publicized relationship with singer and actress Selena Gomez. They began dating in 2017 and ended their relationship in 2018. Their romance made headlines and generated significant interest from fans worldwide.

Simi Khadra

Currently, The Weeknd is in a relationship with Simi Khadra. While their relationship has been much more private compared to his previous ones, their presence together has sparked interest and speculation among fans.

Despite the media attention surrounding his personal life, The Weeknd generally keeps his relationships out of the public eye, preferring to focus on his music career and artistic endeavors.

Physical Appearance and Unique Style

The Weeknd is known for his distinct physical appearance and unique style that sets him apart in the music industry.

• Height: Standing at approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, he has a commanding presence on stage.
• Distinctive Hairstyle: The Weeknd is recognized for his trademark hairstyle, sporting his signature dreadlocks that have become synonymous with his image and brand.
• Fashion Sense: Known for his avant-garde fashion choices, he often sports stylish outfits that reflect his artistic persona. His fashion sense is a blend of edgy and modern, pushing boundaries and creating his own fashion statement.

With his physical appearance and unique style, The Weeknd brings an individualistic flair to his performances and public appearances, further solidifying his status as a trendsetter in the industry.

Philanthropic Initiatives

The Weeknd, in addition to his successful music career, is actively involved in philanthropic initiatives, showcasing his commitment to making a positive impact on society.

Racial Equality

As an advocate for racial equality, The Weeknd utilizes his platform to raise awareness of social issues and promote inclusivity. Through his music and public statements, he aims to inspire conversations and actions that drive progress towards a more equitable society.

Addressing Food Security

Recognizing the urgency of addressing food security and hunger-related challenges globally, The Weeknd was appointed as a World Food Programme Goodwill Ambassador in 2021.

World Food Programme Goodwill Ambassador

The Weeknd’s role as a World Food Programme Goodwill Ambassador underscores his dedication to combatting food insecurity and ensuring access to nutritious meals for vulnerable populations worldwide. Through his ambassadorship, he supports initiatives that aim to alleviate hunger and improve food security for those in need.

Through his philanthropic endeavors, The Weeknd continues to utilize his influence, resources, and platform to advocate for racial equality and fight against food insecurity, making a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals around the world.

Influence and Legacy

The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, has established himself as one of the most influential artists of his generation. Recognized by Time magazine as one of the world’s most influential people, his impact on the music industry is undeniable.

Tesfaye’s unique musical style, characterized by his genre-blending approach, has left an indelible mark. His ability to seamlessly fuse pop, alternative R&B, and new wave has resonated with audiences worldwide, inspiring future generations of artists.

His chart-topping hits have become anthems of a generation, and his distinctive falsetto voice has captivated listeners. Songs like “Can’t Feel My Face,” “The Hills,” and “Blinding Lights” have secured their place in music history.

This influential artist’s legacy is further cemented by his recognition in the Guinness World Records. In 2023, The Weeknd was named the “world’s most popular artist,” solidifying his status as a global icon.

Influential Artist

With a career spanning over a decade, The Weeknd has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined the music industry. His innovative sound, combined with his charismatic stage presence and captivating performances, has set him apart.

His influence extends beyond the realm of music, as he has become a cultural phenomenon. The Weeknd’s fashion choices and style have inspired trends and garnered attention from fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

Guinness World Records

The Weeknd’s achievements have been recognized by Guinness World Records, further illustrating his impact on the industry. His record-breaking success and ability to connect with audiences on a global scale have earned him a place in music history.

As an influential artist with an extraordinary legacy, The Weeknd continues to inspire and shape the future of music. His contributions to the industry have undeniably left an everlasting influence.

Future Projects and Endeavors

The Weeknd, known for his boundary-pushing music and unique sound, shows no signs of slowing down. Fans can look forward to a plethora of upcoming music releases and exciting projects in the future. With every new release, Tesfaye showcases his ability to reinvent himself while staying true to his artistic vision, making his fans eagerly anticipate what he has in store.

One of the most exciting aspects of The Weeknd’s future endeavors is the potential for collaborations with other talented artists. As an influential figure in the music industry, Tesfaye has the ability to attract top-tier talent. These collaborations will undoubtedly create groundbreaking music and further expand his already significant musical influence and reach.

Whether it’s experimenting with new genres, exploring innovative production techniques, or pushing the boundaries of his artistry, The Weeknd’s future projects promise to be an exciting journey for both him and his fans. With his relentless dedication to his craft and his willingness to take risks, there is no doubt that The Weeknd’s future projects and endeavors will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.