Abel Tesfaye, known professionally as The Weeknd, emerged as a transformative figure in contemporary R&B and pop. Born in Toronto, Canada, in 1990, Tesfaye dropped out of high school and initially gained attention by anonymously uploading tracks to YouTube in 2010. His dark, moody sound, coupled with cryptic visuals, captured listeners’ imaginations. Inspired by artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, and R. Kelly, The Weeknd combined soul, hip-hop, and electronic influences with deeply confessional lyrics.
His 2011 mixtape trilogy—House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence—catapulted him into the spotlight, redefining R&B with an ethereal and atmospheric approach. These mixtapes led to a deal with Republic Records, where he re-released them as Trilogy. In 2013, he released his debut album, Kiss Land, showcasing his cinematic style but receiving mixed reviews.
The Weeknd’s breakthrough came with Beauty Behind the Madness in 2015, featuring chart-topping hits like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills.” He continued his meteoric rise with Starboy (2016) and After Hours (2020), which included the record-breaking single “Blinding Lights.” Tesfaye’s ability to blend genres, experiment with visuals, and maintain an enigmatic persona has made him one of the most innovative artists of his generation.
