The Weeknd

From beginning his journey in 2009 by uploading his music to YouTube as an anonymous user, to becoming the most popular artist in the world. Abel Makkonen Tesfaye was raised in Toronto, Ontario, California; born on February 16, 1990. He gained a lot of recognition when he released mixtapes including, House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence. With his song “Blinding Lights” being the most streamed song in Spotify.

The Weeknd gained popularity when he released his album Beauty Behind the Madness. winning the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance. Nominated for Academy Award for Best Original Song when releasing the song “Earned It “, from the film 50 Shades of Grey. The Weeknd has also made numerous collaborations with other artists. Such as Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Sia, Daft Punk, Lana Del Rey, Kendrick Lamar, Diplo, Swedish House Mafia, Drake, and Travis Scott.

He was raised by his mother and his grandmother who also lived in her house. Throughout the most of his childhood his dad wasn’t as present. Abel states that he would occasionally see him, but he was really “never there”. Also stating he never judged him or hated him, saying he wasn’t an alcoholic or a bad figure in his life. He was simply not there.

Recently, The Weeknd has announced he’s going to retire his music career. “I’m going through a cathartic path right now,” he said. As well as “It’s getting to a place and a time where I’m getting ready to close the Weeknd chapter.” Stating as well as making his final album (Last Hurrah) and ending it there.