The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye): Ethiopian Roots, Global Reach

In the constellation of global music superstars, few shine as brightly or as distinctively as Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known to the world as The Weeknd. Born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada, to Ethiopian immigrant parents, Samra and Makkonen Tesfaye, The Weeknd has transcended borders and genres to become one of the most influential artists of his generation. 

As of 2025, his name continues to trend across platforms, from music charts to social media, cementing his status as a cultural icon. But beyond the glitz of Grammy nominations, chart-topping hits, and sold-out stadiums lies a story of resilience, identity, and a profound connection to his Ethiopian roots—a story that resonates as much in Addis Ababa as it does in Los Angeles.

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The Dawn of a Star: Humble Beginnings

Abel Tesfaye’s journey began in Scarborough, a working-class neighborhood in Toronto, where he was raised primarily by his mother, Samra, and his grandmother after his father, Makkonen, left when Abel was young. With his mother working multiple jobs to support the family, his grandmother played a significant role in his upbringing, immersing him in a tight-knit Ethiopian immigrant community. 

She took him to Ethiopian Orthodox church services, where the haunting melodies of liturgical chants shaped his early musical sensibilities. Growing up surrounded by Ethiopian culture and food, Abel absorbed the traditions of his heritage, with Amharic as his first language. 

Yet, his childhood was marked by challenges. As a first-generation Canadian, he navigated the complexities of cultural duality, balancing his Ethiopian identity with the urban pulse of Toronto. At age 11, Abel tried marijuana for the first time, later experimenting with harder drugs—a struggle that would influence the raw, confessional tone of his music.In his late teens, Tesfaye dropped out of high school and immersed himself in Toronto’s underground music scene. 

In 2010, at the age of 20, he began uploading tracks anonymously to YouTube under the moniker The Weeknd—a name inspired by his departure from home one weekend, never to return. These tracks, including “High for This” and “What You Need,” formed the backbone of his debut mixtape, House of Balloons (2011), which introduced the world to his haunting, cinematic sound.

The Rise to Global Fame

The Weeknd’s ascent was meteoric. His trilogy of mixtapes—House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence—released in 2011, blended R&B, electronic, and hip-hop influences with a dark, confessional lyricism that captivated listeners. Critics hailed his work as revolutionary, with Pitchfork describing House of Balloons as “a bold reimagining of R&B.” 

By 2012, he signed with Republic Records, re-releasing the trilogy as a compilation and setting the stage for his mainstream breakthrough.His 2015 album, Beauty Behind the Madness, marked a pivotal moment. Hits like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills” topped the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing his ability to craft infectious pop anthems while retaining his signature melancholic edge. 

Notably, “The Hills” became a milestone as the first of his songs to incorporate Amharic, a subtle nod to his heritage that resonated deeply with Ethiopian fans. The album earned him his first Grammy nominations, and by 2016, he was a household name. Subsequent albums, including Starboy (2016), After Hours (2020), and Dawn FM (2022), solidified his versatility, blending genres from synth-pop to new wave while exploring themes of fame, love, and existential dread.In 2025, The Weeknd remains a dominant force. 

His 2023 album Kaytraminé, a collaboration with rapper Kaytranada, and his continued influence through XO Records, which signed Ethiopian-American artist Chxrry22, keep him at the forefront of music trends. His performances, including a headline-grabbing set at the 2025 BET Awards, have sparked conversations about his enduring cultural impact. With a reported net worth of $200 million, The Weeknd is not only a musical titan but also one of the wealthiest celebrities of Ethiopian descent.

Ethiopian Roots and Cultural Influence

The Weeknd’s Ethiopian heritage is a cornerstone of his identity and artistry. His grandmother’s influence was particularly profound, introducing him to the spiritual depth of Ethiopian Orthodox church services, where the emotive cadences of sacred music shaped his natural singing voice. In interviews, he has credited Ethiopian artists like Tilahun Gessesse, Mahmoud Ahmed, and especially Aster Aweke—whom he calls “the Whitney Houston of Ethiopia”—for inspiring his vocal style. 

Aster’s soulful, melismatic delivery left an indelible mark, and Abel paid homage by sampling her music in his 2016 track “False Alarm” from the Starboy album, weaving her iconic sound into his modern production. Amharic, his first language, has also found its way into his work, most notably in “The Hills,” where listeners can hear its subtle presence. 

This linguistic nod, combined with his use of Ethiopian musical influences, creates a sonic bridge between his heritage and his global audience. Fans have also noticed Ethiopian symbolism in his music videos and album art, such as the cross motifs and vibrant color palettes reminiscent of traditional Habesha aesthetics, further embedding his cultural identity into his visual storytelling. 

Tracks like “Loft Music” from House of Balloons subtly echo the jazzy, emotive rhythms of Ethio-jazz, a genre pioneered by Mulatu Astatke, blending traditional Ethiopian sounds with modern sensibilities.His connection to Ethiopia extends beyond music. In 2020, The Weeknd donated $500,000 to relief efforts for victims of the Tigray conflict in Ethiopia, demonstrating his commitment to his ancestral homeland. 

He has also used his platform to highlight Ethiopian culture, from wearing traditional Habesha attire during performances to incorporating Amharic phrases in his music. In a 2021 interview with Rolling Stone, he reflected, “My roots are something I carry with me everywhere. Ethiopia is in my voice, my melodies, my story.”This cultural pride resonates with the Ethiopian diaspora, particularly in North America, where communities in Washington, D.C., and Toronto celebrate him as a symbol of success. On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, influencers like Dr. Sofonias Ermias and ED Mike, who champion Habesha culture, frequently reference The Weeknd as an inspiration, amplifying his influence among younger audiences.

The Weeknd in 2025: Why He’s Trending

As of July 2025, The Weeknd’s prominence is undeniable. His music continues to dominate streaming platforms, with After Hours and Dawn FM still racking up billions of streams on Spotify. His recent collaboration with Kaytranada on Kaytraminé has been praised for its vibrant, party-ready energy, appealing to both longtime fans and new listeners. Social media buzz, particularly on X, highlights his influence, with fans celebrating his ability to evolve while staying true to his roots.

Beyond music, The Weeknd’s foray into acting and production keeps him in the spotlight. His HBO series The Idol (2023), though controversial, showcased his ambition to expand his creative footprint. In 2025, he’s rumored to be working on a new visual project tied to his upcoming album, further fueling anticipation. His mentorship of emerging artists like Chxrry22 through XO Records also underscores his role as a tastemaker in the industry.

Challenges and Controversies

The Weeknd’s journey hasn’t been without turbulence. His lyrics, often exploring themes of drug use and hedonism—rooted in his early experiences with substances starting at age 11—have drawn criticism for glorifying destructive lifestyles. In Ethiopia, where cultural conservatism runs deep, some have questioned whether his provocative image aligns with traditional values. 

Social media platforms like YouTube have seen debates about his persona, with commentators dissecting his lyrics for their raw honesty or perceived excess.Moreover, his involvement in The Idol sparked backlash for its explicit content and perceived misogyny, prompting discussions about the responsibility of artists with global platforms. Yet, The Weeknd has addressed these critiques head-on, arguing that his art reflects personal experiences and the complexities of human emotion. In a 2024 interview, he stated, “I’m not here to preach; I’m here to tell stories—messy, real, human stories.”

A Legacy in the Making

At 35, The Weeknd is already a legend, but his story is far from over. His ability to blend Ethiopian musical influences—rooted in the church chants his grandmother introduced and the iconic sounds of Aster Aweke, Tilahun Gessesse, and Mahmoud Ahmed—with global pop sensibilities has redefined what it means to be a diasporic artist. He’s a bridge between cultures, a voice for the Ethiopian community, and a testament to the power of perseverance. 

In Ethiopia, where music is a vital expression of identity, his success is a source of pride, inspiring a new generation of artists like Kelela and Mereba, who also draw on their Habesha heritage.In 2025, as Ethiopia navigates its own complexities—from economic growth to political challenges—The Weeknd’s global presence serves as a reminder of the country’s far-reaching influence. His music, philanthropy, and cultural advocacy continue to shape conversations, making him not just a trending celebrity but a transformative figure. Whether he’s performing to sold-out crowds, sampling Aster Aweke, or quietly supporting Ethiopian causes, Abel Tesfaye remains a beacon of what’s possible when talent meets tenacity.