The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada, has undoubtedly become one of the biggest names in contemporary music. Known for his unique voice, genre-defying sound, and distinct persona, The Weeknd’s journey from a YouTube sensation to one of the highest-paid entertainers in the world has been nothing short of remarkable. With a current net worth of $300 million, he has not only conquered the music charts but has also expanded his reach into various business ventures and philanthropic efforts.
Early Life and Musical Roots
Raised in the Scarborough neighborhood of Toronto, The Weeknd’s childhood was shaped by both hardship and his cultural heritage. His mother, who is of Ethiopian descent, and his grandmother raised him after his parents separated. Religion played a significant role in his upbringing, with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church being a central part of his early life. Despite these strong religious ties, The Weeknd began using drugs at the age of 11, an early challenge he would later speak openly about. Although he dropped out of high school before graduation, this did not hinder his ambition to pursue a career in music.
The stage name “The Weeknd” comes from his decision to leave high school and his family home one weekend, never to return. With his new identity, The Weeknd uploaded tracks to YouTube, and his deep, emotional, and often dark R&B style quickly caught the attention of music lovers, leading to early support from Canadian rapper Drake. His career was on the fast track, and his first mixtape House of Balloons (2011) was a major breakthrough.
The Weeknd’s Rise to Stardom
The Weeknd’s first mixtape was a hit, gaining him a significant online following and catching the attention of industry professionals. Shortly after the success of House of Balloons, The Weeknd released Thursday (2011) and Echoes of Silence (2011), which completed his trilogy of mixtapes. These albums were released for free on his website, and they quickly amassed a cult following.
In 2012, after touring with Drake and establishing his fanbase, The Weeknd signed a joint venture with Republic Records and launched his own label, XO. The first official release under this deal was Trilogy (2012), a compilation of his previous mixtapes, which debuted at number four on the U.S. Billboard 200 and earned him widespread recognition in the industry.
With the success of Trilogy, The Weeknd’s career accelerated even further. His first studio album, Kiss Land (2013), debuted at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200, followed by Beauty Behind the Madness (2015). The latter became a global phenomenon, with singles like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills” earning massive airplay. Beauty Behind the Madness was a commercial success, selling 1.5 million copies worldwide and solidifying The Weeknd’s position as a chart-topping artist.
Continued Success and Milestones
In 2016, The Weeknd released Starboy, a collaboration with the legendary electronic duo Daft Punk. The album not only dominated charts but also marked a new phase in his sound, incorporating more electronic elements. Starboy won a Grammy Award and set a Guinness World Record in 2017 for the most-streamed album in a year on Spotify.
His subsequent releases, including My Dear Melancholy (2018) and After Hours (2020), continued his streak of critical and commercial success. After Hours was particularly notable, with its hit single “Blinding Lights” breaking several records, including becoming the longest-charting song in Billboard Hot 100 history. The album also marked a more experimental phase for The Weeknd, blending electronic, pop, and R&B influences into a unique sound.
In 2022, The Weeknd released Dawn FM, which received positive reviews and cemented his versatility as an artist. Over the years, The Weeknd has amassed over 70 million records sold in the U.S. alone and has earned numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards, 22 Juno Awards, and 20 Billboard Music Awards.
Business Ventures and Earnings
Beyond music, The Weeknd has ventured into a range of business and entrepreneurial activities. He is the face of several major brands, including Puma, and has collaborated with high-profile fashion brands like A Bathing Ape and Alexander Wang. The Weeknd also owns his own merchandise line, XO, which has become popular among his fans.
The Weeknd’s business ventures extend into the world of technology, as he is one of the faces of Apple Music. He is also an investor in the esports company OverActive Media Group, a company that specializes in gaming entertainment and esports events.
In addition to his business dealings, The Weeknd’s touring revenue is a major source of his income. He is known to earn upwards of $90 million in a single touring year, making him one of the highest-paid entertainers in the world. His After Hours til Dawn tour was another financial success, with his concert sales contributing significantly to his earnings.
Real Estate and Investments
The Weeknd’s taste in real estate reflects his high net worth. In 2019, he purchased a luxurious penthouse in Los Angeles overlooking the Beverly Hills Country Club for $21 million. Prior to settling in Los Angeles, he had been renting a $60,000-per-month triplex penthouse in New York City. He later sold this property for $19 million in 2023.
In 2021, The Weeknd bought a sprawling $70 million mansion in the Bel-Air neighborhood of Los Angeles. The 33,000-square-foot estate sits on 1.6 acres and features amenities like an indoor pool, sports court, movie theater, and music studio. The Weeknd also previously owned a Hidden Hills estate, which he sold to Madonna in 2021 for $20 million.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
The Weeknd’s personal life has garnered significant attention, particularly his relationships with models Bella Hadid and Selena Gomez. He has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts. In 2021, he donated $1 million through the United Nations World Food Programme to help provide relief for Ethiopia during the Tigray War. Additionally, he launched the XO Humanitarian Fund, donating proceeds from his tours to causes related to global humanitarian efforts.
