Is The Weeknd Dead or Alive? Who is The Weeknd?
by Sangamithra
Updated Dec 29, 2023
Is The Weeknd Dead or Alive?
The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, is very much alive. Any rumors suggesting otherwise are unfounded. The Weeknd has achieved global fame for his unique blend of R&B, pop, and hip-hop.
With numerous awards, including Grammys, and a net worth of $300 million, he stands as one of the most successful artists in the music industry. Beyond music, he has delved into entrepreneurial ventures, collaborating with brands and establishing his brand, "XO." The Weeknd continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his artistic prowess.
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Who is The Weeknd?
The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario. Known for his unique music style, artistic changes, and distinctive use of falsetto vocals, he has earned numerous awards, including 4 Grammys, 20 Billboard Music Awards, and 22 Juno Awards.
Starting in 2009 by anonymously releasing music on YouTube, The Weeknd gained recognition with mixtapes like House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence. In 2012, he signed with Republic Records and reissued the mixtapes as the Trilogy compilation. His debut album, Kiss Land (2013), explored dark waves. Beauty Behind the Madness (2015) and Starboy (2016) brought commercial success, with hit singles like "Can't Feel My Face" and "The Hills."
His fourth album, After Hours (2020), showcased new wave and dream pop, featuring the record-setting single "Blinding Lights." In addition to his music career, The Weeknd ventured into acting and co-created and starred in the 2023 drama series, The Idol. Recognized as one of the world's best-selling music artists, he holds various chart records and is the first Canadian artist with four diamond-certified singles.
His advocacy for racial equality and food security led to his appointment as a World Food Programme Goodwill Ambassador in 2021. Time listed him among the world's most influential people in 2020, and Guinness World Records dubbed him the "world's most popular artist" in 2023.
Full Name
Abel Makkonen Tesfaye
Stage Name
The Weeknd
Birth Date
February 16, 1990
Birthplace
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Genres
R&B, Pop, Hip-Hop
Occupation
Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer
Net Worth
$300 million (as of the latest available information)
Notable Achievements
Multiple Grammy Awards, Over 70 million records sold in the U.S.
The Weeknd's Early Life
Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known as The Weeknd, was born in Toronto, Ontario, to Ethiopian Amhara immigrants, Makkonen Tesfaye and Samrawit Hailu. Raised by his mother and grandmother in Scarborough after his parents separated, The Weeknd has an estranged relationship with his father, whom he saw only a few times during his childhood.
Growing up in an Ethiopian Orthodox household, The Weeknd later expressed uncertainty about his religious beliefs. His native language is Amharic, learned from his grandmother, and he became fluent in French by attending a French immersion school. He attended West Hill Collegiate Institute and Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute before dropping out at 17.
Moving to an apartment in Parkdale with friends, including his creative director La Mar Taylor, The Weeknd lived a hedonistic lifestyle, describing it as reminiscent of the film Kids. Facing homelessness and incarceration, he decided to "smarten up" and focus on his life. During this time, he openly discussed using drugs, including ketamine and cocaine. In 2021, he revealed a shift to a "sober lite" lifestyle, quitting most drugs except marijuana and reducing alcohol consumption.
The Weeknd Career
The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, began his musical journey in 2009 by anonymously releasing songs on YouTube. His early work caught the attention of music producer Jeremy Rose, and together they created the foundation for a dark contemporary R&B project. Tesfaye's mixtapes, including "House of Balloons," gained traction, leading to the formation of the XO record label in 2011. In 2012, he released the compilation album "Trilogy," featuring remastered versions of his mixtapes.
The following years saw the release of successful albums like "Kiss Land" (2013) and "Beauty Behind the Madness" (2015). His hit singles, including "The Hills" and "Can't Feel My Face," topped charts and earned critical acclaim. Collaborations with artists like Drake and Beyoncé further boosted his profile. In 2016, "Starboy" marked another triumph, winning a Grammy for Best Urban Contemporary Album. The Weeknd's distinctive voice and genre-blending style continued to captivate audiences.
His fourth album, "After Hours" (2020), solidified his superstar status, topping charts and breaking streaming records. Tesfaye's impact extends beyond music; he headlined the Super Bowl LV halftime show in 2021, leaving a lasting impression. In 2022, he released "Dawn FM" and explored new ventures, including a collaboration with HBO on the series "The Idol." With an evolving sound and a penchant for pushing boundaries, The Weeknd remains a dominant force in the music and entertainment industry.
The Weeknd Age
As of 2023, The Weeknd is 33 years old. The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye on February 16, 1990, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer. Rising to fame with a mysterious persona, he gained attention for his mixtapes, including "House of Balloons," released in 2011. The Weeknd's breakthrough came with his 2015 album "Beauty Behind the Madness," featuring hits like "Can't Feel My Face" and "The Hills."
He continued his success with subsequent albums like "Starboy" (2016), which won a Grammy for Best Urban Contemporary Album, and "After Hours" (2020). Known for his distinctive voice and genre-blending sound, The Weeknd has become a prominent figure in contemporary music.
The Weeknd Net Worth
The Weeknd, a Canadian music artist and producer, boasts a substantial net worth of $300 million. Rising from YouTube fame, he's now a prominent figure in the Hip-Hop/Rap/R&B scene, known for his distinctive musical style. With over 70 million records sold in the U.S. and numerous Grammy wins, The Weeknd is a major player in the music industry.
Beyond music, he's engaged in entrepreneurial ventures, collaborating with brands and establishing his own "XO" brand. As one of the highest-paid entertainers globally, he can earn up to $90 million annually, particularly during his lucrative touring years.
The Weeknd Discography
2013
Kiss Land
2015
Beauty Behind the Madness
2016
Starboy
2020
After Hours
2022
Dawn FM
Year
Album
Is The Weeknd Dead or Alive - FAQs
The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, is very much alive. Any rumors suggesting otherwise are unfounded.
Abel Makkonen Tesfaye is The Weeknd's real name.
The Weeknd gained recognition by anonymously releasing music on YouTube in 2009.
The Weeknd has a net worth of $300 million, making him one of the highest-paid entertainers globally.
The Weeknd has won multiple Grammy Awards, sold over 70 million records in the U.S., and earned recognition as one of the world's best-selling music artists.