The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is a Canadian recording artist, record producer, and businessman with an estimated net worth of $300 million.
Known for his unique blend of R&B, pop, and electronic music, The Weeknd has achieved global fame.
His success in the music industry, combined with smart business moves and lucrative partnerships, has made him one of the highest-paid entertainers in the world today.
Early Life and Career
From Humble Beginnings
The Weeknd was born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, to Ethiopian immigrant parents. Raised primarily by his mother and grandmother after his parents separated, The Weeknd faced a challenging childhood.
His father was absent, and despite being raised in a religious household, he struggled with drugs and dropped out of high school before completing his senior year.
The Birth of The Weeknd’s Stage Name
The name “The Weeknd” (missing an “e”) was chosen by Abel Tesfaye after he dropped out of high school at 17 and “left one weekend and never came back.” This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his musical journey.
From YouTube to Stardom
The Weeknd initially gained attention by uploading songs to YouTube, where his distinctive sound quickly attracted a large following.
His collaborations with Canadian producer Jeremy Rose helped establish his early career, particularly his 2011 mixtape House of Balloons, which launched his rise in the music scene.
By the time he connected with fellow Canadian artist Drake, his fame skyrocketed. The two toured together, with The Weeknd opening for Drake on several occasions.
Breakthrough Success
Signing with Republic Records
In 2012, after releasing several successful mixtapes, The Weeknd signed a joint venture with Republic Records.
This partnership led to the creation of his own label, XO, which helped him release his debut compilation album Trilogy.
Mainstream Recognition
The Weeknd’s mainstream breakthrough came with the release of his debut studio album Kiss Land in 2013, which debuted at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200.
This was followed by his successful sophomore album, Beauty Behind the Madness, in 2015.
The album sold 412,000 units in its first week and went on to achieve platinum status globally.
Starboy and Beyond
In 2016, The Weeknd released Starboy, which included collaborations with Daft Punk and featured the hit single “Starboy.”
His next albums, My Dear Melancholy (2018), After Hours (2020), and Dawn FM (2022), continued to solidify his place as a global superstar.
Earnings and Business Ventures
Incredible Earnings from Music and Touring
The Weeknd’s earnings have been astronomical, especially during his tours. In one of his most lucrative years, he earned an estimated $90 million before taxes.
His business acumen and ability to connect with fans have kept him in the top ranks of the highest-paid musicians worldwide.
In 2021, his After Hours Til Dawn Tour grossed millions, further contributing to his net worth.
Diversifying Income Streams
Beyond his music career, The Weeknd has wisely ventured into various business opportunities. Some notable business ventures include:
- Brand Collaborations: He has worked with high-profile brands such as Puma, Apple Music, and A Bathing Ape.
- NFTs and Digital Collectibles: In 2021, The Weeknd auctioned off a song and visual art as NFTs and joined Tom Brady’s NFT platform Autograph as part of the board of directors.
- Esports Investment: The Weeknd has shares in OverActive Media Group, a company involved in the esports industry.
Real Estate Portfolio
The Weeknd’s real estate investments reflect his success. Some notable properties include:
- $70 Million Mansion in Bel-Air: In 2021, he purchased a lavish 33,000-square-foot mansion in Los Angeles’ Bel-Air neighborhood. This massive estate spans 1.6 acres and includes impressive features like a movie theater, sports court, gym, and outdoor pool.
- Hidden Hills Estate: In 2017, he bought a sprawling 13,000-square-foot home in Hidden Hills, California, for $18 million. The property features nine bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, and a guest house. He sold it in 2021 to Madonna for $20 million, and Madonna later sold it in 2023 for $23 million.
- $21 Million Los Angeles Penthouse: In 2019, The Weeknd bought a stunning penthouse in Los Angeles with sweeping views of the Beverly Hills Country Club for $21 million.
Philanthropy
The Weeknd is also known for his philanthropy. In 2021, he donated $1 million through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to aid Ethiopia’s Tigray War victims.
He also launched the XO Humanitarian Fund, which donated $1 from every ticket sold on his After Hours til Dawn Tour, plus a $500,000 personal contribution.
Awards and Achievements
The Weeknd has amassed an impressive array of awards over his career. His honors include:
- Four Grammy Awards
- 22 Juno Awards
- 20 Billboard Music Awards
- Six American Music Awards
- Two MTV Video Music Awards
In addition to these, he has been nominated for Academy Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award.
