**The Weeknd**, born **Abel Tesfaye** on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada, has

carved a prominent niche in the music industry as a leading alternative R&B

performer. His journey from humble beginnings to Grammy-winning fame is
captivating.

- **Early Years**: The Weeknd's parents were Ethiopian immigrants, but he had
little contact with his father, who left the family when he was just a toddler. His
musical influences ranged from traditional Ethiopian tunes to the iconic Michael
Jackson. In fact, Jackson's 1979 hit "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough" played a
pivotal role in shaping The Weeknd's voice and style.

- **Mixtapes & Albums**:

- **House of Balloons**: In 2011, The Weeknd burst onto the scene with the
mixtape "House of Balloons." This, along with two more mixtapes, propelled his
career forward.
- **Trilogy**: His earlier mixtapes were re-released as the platinum-selling
album "Trilogy" in 2012.
- **Mystique and Shyness**: Despite his growing popularity, The Weeknd remained
elusive. He shunned interviews and used images of women instead of his own photos
for his 2013 album, "Kiss Land."
- **Collaborations**: He collaborated with artists like Drake, Wiz Khalifa,
Rick Ross, and Ariana Grande.

- **"Beauty Behind the Madness" and Grammy Wins**: In 2015, The Weeknd achieved
massive success with the Grammy-winning album "Beauty Behind the Madness." The
disco-pop-infused single "Can't Feel My Face" became the unofficial anthem of that
summer, while his ballad "The Hills" also left a lasting impression on music fans¹.

The Weeknd's life story is a testament to talent, determination, and artistic

evolution. 🎶🌟