The Weeknd is a talented Canadian singer and songwriter. He has a smooth, haunting voice that blends R&B, pop, and dark alternative sounds.
The Weeknd whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye was born on February 16 1990 in Scarborough Ontario Canada. He stands at 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs around 70 kg. The global R&B superstar creates atmospheric music that explores love, fame, and inner struggles worldwide.
The Weeknd comes from an Ethiopian immigrant family with mother Samra Tesfaye. He was raised by his single mother and grandmother. He has no public siblings. He is in a relationship with Selena Gomez with no wife and no children.
The Weeknd started his career with anonymous mixtapes in 2011. His viral songs like Blinding Lights and Save Your Tears broke records. The albums Beauty Behind the Madness Starboy and Dawn FM brought huge success. His net worth reaches about 300 million dollars from music sales tours streaming and brand deals.

The Weeknd Wiki/Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Abel Makkonen Tesfaye |
| Birth | February 16 1990 Scarborough Ontario Canada |
| Age | 36 years old in 2026 |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Weight | 70 kg (154 lbs) |
| Occupation | Singer songwriter producer |
| Education | West Hill Collegiate Institute |
| Career Highlights | Blinding Lights most streamed song Grammy wins XO label |
| Net Worth | 300 million dollars |
| Wealth Sources | Music sales tours streaming merchandise |
| Administration Service | None listed |
| Notable Skills | Vocal range songwriting production |
| Family | Mother Samra Tesfaye grandmother raised him partner Selena Gomez |
| Social Presence | Millions of followers on Instagram |
The Weeknd Real Name
The Weeknd uses Abel Makkonen Tesfaye as his full real name. Many fans know him simply as The Weeknd in the music world. The singer chose the stage name for its mysterious and cool appeal.
Abel Makkonen Tesfaye reflects his Ethiopian heritage and Canadian birth clearly. He built massive fame around The Weeknd quickly. This name helps him stand out with a dark and artistic image.
The artist shares his real name in official bios and interviews often. Fans appreciate the honest roots behind Abel Makkonen Tesfaye. It shows his genuine journey from Scarborough to global stardom.
The Weeknd Early Life and Education

The Weeknd grew up in Scarborough Ontario during his early years. He faced financial struggles and was raised mostly by his mother and grandmother. The boy attended local schools for basic studies.
Life included dropping out of high school at age 17. The Weeknd worked odd jobs while creating early music. He moved to downtown Toronto to pursue his dreams seriously.
The Weeknd learned independence from tough childhood experiences early. His early life mixed Ethiopian culture with urban Canadian influences. These moments shaped his unique moody sound.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Schooling | Attended schools in Scarborough, Toronto |
| Higher Education | None (dropped out of high school to pursue music) |
| Degree | None |
| Special Achievement | Self-taught musician; began uploading anonymous music online in 2010, leading to rapid underground fame |
The Weeknd Parents and Siblings
The Weeknd was born to Samra Tesfaye. His mother worked multiple jobs to support the family after his father left early. The singer credits his mother and grandmother for raising him with strong values.
The Weeknd has no publicly known siblings. He grew up as an only child in a single-parent home. Family support helped him through difficult teenage years.
The mother influenced The Weeknd work ethic and resilience deeply. She encouraged his creative side despite hardships. He honors his roots through personal stories in many songs.
| Family Member | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Makkonen Tesfaye (Ethiopian immigrant; separated shortly after Abel’s birth; limited contact) |
| Mother | Samrawit Hailu (Samra Tesfaye; Ethiopian immigrant; raised him with strong work ethic) |
| Grandmother | Played key role in raising him |
| Partner | Simi Khadra |
| Children | None |
| Siblings | Only child |
| Family Support | Raised primarily by mother and grandmother in Scarborough after parents’ separation; Ethiopian heritage and Amharic language influenced his early life |
The Weeknd Partner – Simi Khadra
The Weeknd is not married with no wife. He is in a relationship with Selena Gomez as of 2026. The couple has been on and off for years.
Selena Gomez supports The Weeknd career and personal life. No children exist yet. They keep some moments private from public view.
The singer values his bond with Selena Gomez after past relationships. The Weeknd focuses on balance between love and demanding schedule. Their story inspires many fans.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Simi Khadra |
| Relationship | Girlfriend of The Weeknd |
| First Interaction | Met through social/professional circles |
| Love Story | Began dating in 2022; relatively private but supportive partnership |
| Marriage Date | Not married |
| Children | None |
| Role in The Weeknd’s Life | Emotional supporter; provides companionship amid intense career demands |
| Public Appearances | Occasional public sightings and social media mentions |
| Contribution | Helps maintain balance in his high-profile life |
| Inspiration | Their relationship noted for privacy and mutual creative understanding |
The Weeknd Age
The Weeknd turned 36 years old in 2026 on February 16. He maintains sharp creativity and stage energy. The singer embraces each year with artistic growth.
At this age The Weeknd achieves historic chart and award success. Fans admire his evolution from mixtape artist to superstar. He balances maturity with bold experimentation.
The Weeknd shares age reflections in songs sometimes. His 36 years show resilience after early struggles. The artist continues pushing boundaries with every project.
The Weeknd Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
The Weeknd stands at 5 feet 8 inches tall with a slim build. He weighs approximately 70 kg which suits his stylish image. The singer carries a mysterious and confident look daily.
His physical appearance includes signature hair styles and dark fashion choices. The Weeknd dresses in bold outfits for performances. Fans love his artistic and sleek vibe on stage.
The Weeknd stays fit through dance rehearsals and healthy routines. His height and weight enhance smooth stage presence. The artist sets trends with unique style.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm approx.) |
| Weight | 70–79 kg (approx. 154–174 lbs; athletic build) |
| Eye Condition | N/A |
| Personality | Known for mysterious persona, emotional depth in lyrics, genre-blending innovation (R&B, pop, alternative), high-concept visuals, and artistic evolution |
The Weeknd Before Fame

The Weeknd started making music in his bedroom as a teenager. He released anonymous mixtapes like House of Balloons in 2011. Life included dropping out of school and working low-paying jobs.
The Weeknd gained buzz online without showing his face initially. He signed with XO and Republic Records after viral success. Small underground following grew slowly before mainstream breakthrough.
The period before fame taught The Weeknd independence and mystery. He faced rejections but kept creating dark R&B. These experiences fuel his atmospheric sound today.
The Weeknd Career
The Weeknd released his debut mixtape House of Balloons in 2011. He gained critical acclaim for moody style. The singer rose quickly with hits like Earned It and The Hills.
The Weeknd dropped major albums including Beauty Behind the Madness and Starboy. He scored the record-breaking Blinding Lights. His Super Bowl halftime show boosted global fame.
The singer tours stadiums and wins multiple Grammy awards. The Weeknd earns praise for vocal range and cinematic concepts. His career inspires through fearless artistic evolution.
The Weeknd Social Media Presence
The Weeknd maintains strong followings on Instagram. He shares music teasers, tour moments, and artistic visuals often. Millions engage with his mysterious content regularly.
The Weeknd uses social media to connect directly with fans worldwide. He posts about new projects without over-sharing personal life. The platforms help build his dedicated community.
The artist values selective and creative interactions. The Weeknd presence feels cool and intriguing to followers. He inspires through bold and atmospheric shares.
The Weeknd Net Worth and Achievements
The Weeknd holds an estimated net worth of 300 million dollars in 2026. Income flows from album sales, tours, and streaming royalties. Brand deals and residencies add to his wealth.
The Weeknd won multiple Grammy awards and broke streaming records with Blinding Lights. His Super Bowl performance became legendary. The singer celebrates diamond certifications for many tracks.
Achievements include global tours and cultural impact. The Weeknd inspires artists with his unique path. His net worth reflects talent, vision, and consistent success.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Schooling | Attended schools in Scarborough, Toronto |
| Higher Education | None (dropped out of high school to pursue music) |
| Degree | None |
| Special Achievement | Self-taught musician; began uploading anonymous music online in 2010, leading to rapid underground fame |
The Weeknd Awards and Recognitions
| Category | Year(s) | Award / Recognition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music Awards | Various | Grammy Awards | 4 wins (including Best R&B Performance); multiple nominations |
| 2025 | American Music Awards | Wins for Favorite Male R&B Artist and Favorite R&B Album (Hurry Up Tomorrow) | |
| 2025 | Forbes Highest-Paid Musicians | Highest-earning musician of 2025 (~$298 million) | |
| Recent Recognition | Ongoing | Cultural Impact | “Blinding Lights” and tours set multiple records; acclaimed for innovative sound and visuals |
The Weeknd Legacy and Impact

The Weeknd creates music that explores dark emotions and modern life. His songs help fans process love, fame, and pain often. The singer builds lasting influence in R&B and pop.
The Weeknd impact reaches fashion, film, and live performance. He pushes boundaries with cinematic storytelling. His legacy grows with every innovative release.
Young artists look to The Weeknd journey from anonymous mixtapes to superstar. He proves mystery and talent lead to success. The world remembers his contributions to contemporary music.
The Weeknd Nationality and Religion
The Weeknd holds Canadian nationality from his birth in Ontario. He proudly represents Ethiopian-Canadian culture in his global work. The singer stays connected to his Scarborough roots.
The Weeknd grew up in an Ethiopian Orthodox Christian household. He draws spiritual and cultural influences in some song themes. Personal beliefs guide him quietly during challenges.
The artist discusses heritage thoughtfully in interviews. The Weeknd blends Canadian pride with Ethiopian roots naturally. His identity shapes his unique and haunting artistic voice.
The Weeknd Future Plans and Goals
The Weeknd plans new music releases and creative projects ahead. He aims to explore fresh sounds while staying true to his style. The singer wants to balance career with personal life.
The Weeknd focuses on touring and expanding his artistic vision. He sets goals for continued critical and commercial impact. Long term he hopes to inspire through bold storytelling.
Future plans include possible acting and production work. The Weeknd seeks meaningful growth in every endeavor. His goals reflect passion for evolution and authenticity.
The Weeknd Songs List
- Blinding Lights
- Save Your Tears
- Starboy
- The Hills
- Earned It
- Call Out My Name
- Die For You
- Heartless
- After Hours
- Take My Breath
- Sacrifice
- Less Than Zero
- Out of Time
- Dawn FM
- Creepin
- Popular
- One of the Girls
- Timeless
- Sao Paulo
- Cry For Me
The Weeknd Lesser-Known Facts about The Weeknd
| Fact No. | Lesser-Known Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | Real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye; stage name “The Weeknd” comes from dropping the “e” in “weekend” to sound mysterious. |
| 2 | Born to Ethiopian immigrant parents who moved to Canada in the 1980s; speaks Amharic fluently. |
| 3 | Only child; raised by his mother and grandmother in Scarborough, Toronto, after his father left when he was young. |
| 4 | Dropped out of high school and worked at American Apparel while making early music. |
| 5 | First gained fame with anonymous mixtapes released in 2011. |
| 6 | “Blinding Lights” became one of the longest-charting and biggest songs in Billboard history. |
| 7 | His “After Hours ’Til Dawn” tour became the highest-grossing by a male solo artist. |
| 8 | Earned an estimated $298 million in 2025, making him the highest-paid musician that year. |
| 9 | Starred in and co-created the HBO series The Idol. |
| 10 | Has Ethiopian roots and has incorporated cultural elements into his music and visuals. |
| 11 | Previously dated Selena Gomez (2017) and Bella Hadid (on-and-off). |
| 12 | Has been in a relationship with model/DJ Simi Khadra since 2022. |
| 13 | Known for high-concept albums with dark, cinematic themes exploring love, drugs, fame, and redemption. |
| 14 | Performed the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show in 2021. |
| 15 | Sold his music catalog in a major billion-dollar partnership. |
| 16 | Maintains a relatively private personal life despite global fame. |
| 17 | Stays connected to his Toronto and Ethiopian heritage. |
| 18 | Believes in pushing artistic boundaries and creating immersive worlds through music and visuals. |
The Weeknd Hobbies
- Songwriting in studio
- Producing beats
- Traveling for tours
- Listening to music
- Watching films
- Creating visuals
- Spending quiet time
- Exploring fashion
- Playing video games
- Reflecting on life
The Weeknd Favorite Things
- His signature hairstyle
- Dark atmospheric R&B
- Ethiopian family roots
- Live stadium shows
- Bold stage outfits
- Honest song lyrics
- Creative music videos
- Quiet studio nights
- Canadian winters
- Artistic collaborations
The Weeknd Interesting Facts
- Real name Abel Makkonen Tesfaye
- Born on February 16 1990
- Dropped out of high school
- Released anonymous mixtapes
- Ethiopian-Canadian heritage
- Performed at Super Bowl
- Blinding Lights is most streamed song
- Has XO record label
- Raised by single mother
- Known for mysterious persona
FAQs
What is The Weeknd real name?
The Weeknd real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye. He uses his stage name professionally. The singer shares both openly.
How old is The Weeknd?
The Weeknd is 36 years old in 2026. He was born on February 16 1990. Fans admire his continued success.
What is The Weeknd height and weight?
The Weeknd height is 5 feet 8 inches. His weight stays around 70 kg. He maintains a slim build.
Who is in The Weeknd family?
The Weeknd has mother Samra Tesfaye. He is in a relationship with Selena Gomez. No children yet.
What is The Weeknd net worth?
The Weeknd net worth reaches about 300 million dollars. Income comes from tours and music. Achievements made him highly successful.
Conclusion
The Weeknd stands at 5 feet 8 inches and weighs 70 kg. At 36 years old in 2026 he inspires fans with his dark artistry. The singer values his family roots and personal journey.
His path from anonymous mixtapes to global icon shows true dedication. The Weeknd shares atmospheric R&B music with haunting vocals. Fans connect with his mysterious and emotional spirit.
With net worth around 300 million dollars The Weeknd continues evolving. His bio highlights talent resilience and creative vision. The artist leaves a haunting mark on music forever.
