Inscription
The Weeknd is inscribed as the 64th Global Music Royalty in November 2024.
He is chosen for his strong results, having won both a gold and a bronze medal in only 6 participations.
He is chosen for his strong results, having won both a gold and a bronze medal in only 6 participations.
Presentation
The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada, is a globally recognized singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his distinctive voice, genre-blending music, and enigmatic persona. Raised by Ethiopian immigrant parents, he was influenced by a mix of R&B, hip-hop, electronic music, and Ethiopian sounds, which shaped his unique musical style.
His rise to fame began in 2010 when he anonymously uploaded a series of mysterious and atmospheric R&B tracks to YouTube. These early songs caught the attention of music critics and industry professionals, leading to the release of three mixtapes in 2011: House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence. These projects, later compiled into Trilogy, introduced his dark, moody aesthetic and storytelling about love, excess, and emotional turmoil, earning him a cult following.
The Weeknd’s mainstream breakthrough came with his 2015 album Beauty Behind the Madness, featuring hits like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills.” This project showcased his ability to blend pop sensibilities with his signature dark R&B sound, earning him Grammy Awards and widespread recognition. He further cemented his status with Starboy in 2016, which included the title track featuring Daft Punk and other chart-topping singles like “I Feel It Coming.”
Continuing his evolution, After Hours in 2020 presented a cinematic and synth-heavy sound, with the global smash hit “Blinding Lights” becoming one of the most streamed and best-selling songs of all time. The album’s cohesive storytelling and artistic vision were complemented by his red-jacketed persona, which became iconic in music videos and performances. His 2022 album Dawn FM further expanded his sonic palette, drawing influence from 1980s synthpop and featuring narration by actor Jim Carrey.
Beyond music, The Weeknd has built a strong presence in film, television, and fashion, working with brands like Puma and H&M, and contributing to soundtracks such as Avatar: The Way of Water. His Super Bowl LV halftime show in 2021 was a defining moment in his career, showcasing his artistic ambition and ability to create visually immersive performances.
Known for his philanthropy, The Weeknd has donated millions to causes including famine relief in Ethiopia, COVID-19 response efforts, and various humanitarian organizations. Despite his fame, he maintains a sense of mystery, often avoiding traditional media and letting his music and visuals speak for themselves.
With his genre-defying approach, emotional lyricism, and constant reinvention, The Weeknd has redefined contemporary R&B and pop, influencing countless artists and shaping the modern sound of music. His ability to evolve while staying true to his artistic identity ensures his continued impact on the industry.
His rise to fame began in 2010 when he anonymously uploaded a series of mysterious and atmospheric R&B tracks to YouTube. These early songs caught the attention of music critics and industry professionals, leading to the release of three mixtapes in 2011: House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence. These projects, later compiled into Trilogy, introduced his dark, moody aesthetic and storytelling about love, excess, and emotional turmoil, earning him a cult following.
The Weeknd’s mainstream breakthrough came with his 2015 album Beauty Behind the Madness, featuring hits like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills.” This project showcased his ability to blend pop sensibilities with his signature dark R&B sound, earning him Grammy Awards and widespread recognition. He further cemented his status with Starboy in 2016, which included the title track featuring Daft Punk and other chart-topping singles like “I Feel It Coming.”
Continuing his evolution, After Hours in 2020 presented a cinematic and synth-heavy sound, with the global smash hit “Blinding Lights” becoming one of the most streamed and best-selling songs of all time. The album’s cohesive storytelling and artistic vision were complemented by his red-jacketed persona, which became iconic in music videos and performances. His 2022 album Dawn FM further expanded his sonic palette, drawing influence from 1980s synthpop and featuring narration by actor Jim Carrey.
Beyond music, The Weeknd has built a strong presence in film, television, and fashion, working with brands like Puma and H&M, and contributing to soundtracks such as Avatar: The Way of Water. His Super Bowl LV halftime show in 2021 was a defining moment in his career, showcasing his artistic ambition and ability to create visually immersive performances.
Known for his philanthropy, The Weeknd has donated millions to causes including famine relief in Ethiopia, COVID-19 response efforts, and various humanitarian organizations. Despite his fame, he maintains a sense of mystery, often avoiding traditional media and letting his music and visuals speak for themselves.
With his genre-defying approach, emotional lyricism, and constant reinvention, The Weeknd has redefined contemporary R&B and pop, influencing countless artists and shaping the modern sound of music. His ability to evolve while staying true to his artistic identity ensures his continued impact on the industry.
Global Music Career
7 Participations
5 Finals
3 Top 10s
2 Medals
1 Victory
Representing: Canada and Ethiopia
117. Can't feel my face / DNQ
169. Blinding lights / WINNER
173. In you eyes / 6th place
183. Save your tears / Bronze medal
188. Take my breath / 24th place
216. Die for you / DNQ - with Ariana Grande
228. Open hearts / 24th place
5 Finals
3 Top 10s
2 Medals
1 Victory
Representing: Canada and Ethiopia
117. Can't feel my face / DNQ
169. Blinding lights / WINNER
173. In you eyes / 6th place
183. Save your tears / Bronze medal
188. Take my breath / 24th place
216. Die for you / DNQ - with Ariana Grande
228. Open hearts / 24th place
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