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About
One of the best-selling artists ever, behind the most-streamed song in Spotify history.
The Weeknd built a sound — and a world — all his own.
Abel Tesfaye turned moody R&B into stadium-sized pop, with Blinding Lights becoming the most-streamed song in Spotify history.
The legacy
- Dawn FM and After Hours — cinematic albums.
- A Super Bowl halftime show for the ages.
"I just make what I feel."
Follow for music and the next era.
Quick Facts
BornFebruary 16, 1990 · Toronto, Canada
Real nameAbel Makkonen Tesfaye
NationalityCanadian
ProfessionSinger, songwriter, producer
Known for"Blinding Lights", "Starboy"
RecordMost-streamed song on Spotify
Milestones
2011
Mystery mixtapes
Releases anonymous mixtapes that captivate the internet.
2015
Beauty Behind the Madness
His major-label breakthrough wins Grammys.
2016
Starboy
The album and title track become global smashes.
2020
After Hours
"Blinding Lights" becomes a record-breaking hit.
2021
Super Bowl halftime
Headlines the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Stories & Facts
Anonymous beginnings
He built hype by releasing music without revealing his identity.
The Weeknd persona
His dark, cinematic R&B redefined modern pop music.
Toronto roots
He emerged from Toronto's vibrant music scene alongside Drake.
Lifestyle
The voice that defined a decade. The Weeknd blends R&B, synth-pop and dark mystique. A private figure, he lets his music and cinematic visuals speak — and became one of the biggest streaming artists ever.
In the News
Videos
Achievements & Awards
- Multiple Grammy Award winner
- "Blinding Lights" is the most-streamed song on Spotify
- Super Bowl Halftime Show headliner
- Multiple #1 Billboard Hot 100 singles
- One of the best-selling artists of all time