The Weeknd

Born in Toronto in 1990 to Ethiopian immigrant parents, Abel Tesfaye began his music journey releasing atmospheric, anonymous tracks on YouTube in 2010. Early buzz around songs like “House of Balloons” and critical support from Drake helped pave his path. He quickly evolved from mysterious mixtapes into a defining voice of alternative R&B, co‑founding the XO label and building a devoted fanbase around his emotive sound. Musically, The Weeknd is known for his dark, cinematic production, soaring falsetto, and lyrical themes of love, excess, and existential longing. His style has drawn from R&B, pop, synthwave and 1980s nostalgia. Over the years, his sonic palette broadened—collaborations with Daft Punk (*Starboy*), introspective EPs like *My Dear Melancholy*, and sleek, dance‑dominated albums like *After Hours*, *Dawn FM* and *Hurry Up Tomorrow*—each part of a narrative trilogy that has captivated millions. His catalog includes chart‑topping albums and singles: *Beauty Behind the Madness* and *Starboy* brought global hits like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills”; *After Hours* gifted the record‑breaking anthem “Blinding Lights”; *Dawn FM* continued the concept‑album tradition; and *Hurry Up Tomorrow* (2025) closed a major chapter, exploring themes of trauma and identity. His live performances, especially the massive After Hours ’Til Dawn tour, became hallmarks of modern pop spectacle. Beyond music, he’s made waves in film and television—acting in *Uncut Gems* and co‑creating the TV drama *The Idol*—while earning accolades like Grammys, Billboard and Juno Awards. Revered for his storytelling, sonic innovation, and cultural impact, The Weeknd has shaped the direction of contemporary music and raised the bar for artistic ambition on vinyl, CD, and cassette.