In a surprising turn of events, music sensation The Weeknd has made the decision to abandon his world-renowned stage name, opting instead to embrace his birth name. Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, as he is officially known, has bid farewell to The Weeknd, the moniker that catapulted him to stardom and earned him a devoted fan base. With this bold move, Tesfaye is embarking on a new chapter of his career, one that promises to showcase his authentic self.
The announcement came through a series of updates on his social media accounts, where The Weeknd’s name was replaced with Abel Tesfaye. This simple yet significant alteration signifies a profound shift in the artist’s identity and marks the beginning of a personal transformation. In a candid interview with W Magazine, Tesfaye explained his decision, stating, “It’s getting to a place and a time where I’m getting ready to close the Weeknd chapter. I’ll still make music, maybe as Abel, maybe as The Weeknd. But I still want to kill The Weeknd. And I will. Eventually. I’m definitely trying to shed that skin and be reborn.”
Tesfaye’s statement carries a sense of introspection and artistic growth. He acknowledges that The Weeknd has served as a vessel for his creativity and expression thus far, but he believes it is now time to explore new dimensions of his artistry. While this decision may surprise and even sadden some fans, it is important to recognize the artistic evolution and personal exploration that lie at the core of this choice.
“The album I’m currently working on is likely to be my last hurrah as The Weeknd. This is something I feel compelled to do. As The Weeknd, I believe I have expressed everything I possibly can,” Tesfaye shared during the interview. This declaration unveils a sense of closure and a desire to embark on a fresh artistic journey. It signifies a deep commitment to his craft and a longing for reinvention.
