Overview
Abel Makkonen Tesfaye (born February 16, 1990), known professionally as the Weeknd, is a Canadian singer, songwriter and actor. Known for his sonic versatility and dark lyricism, his music explores escapism, romance, and melancholia, and is often inspired by personal experiences. He has received numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards, a Latin Grammy Award, 20 Billboard Music Awards, 17 Juno Awards, six American Music Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, and nominations for an Academy Award and a Primetime Emmy Award.
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Tesfaye began his career in 2009 by anonymously releasing music on YouTube. Two years later, he co-founded the XO record label and released the mixtapes House of Balloons, Thursday and Echoes of Silence, which gained recognition for his style of contemporary and alternative R&B and the mystique surrounding his identity. In 2012, he signed w...
Facts
Also known as | Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, Abel Tesfaye |
Born | 16 Feb. 1990 (Age: 32), in Scarborough |
Area | Canada |
Years active | 12 |
Status | Active |
Gender | Male |
Role(s) | Producer (executive) |
Label(s) | Republic RecordsXO[no label]Universal Republic RecordsCP RecordsColumbiaAtlanticPolydorIslandUniversal Music Group |