Abel Tesfaye Retires "The Weeknd" Alias and Embraces His True Identity

Source: Entertainment Weekly

A Time for Change

Tesfaye's contemplation of this change dates back to April when he reached out to his fans on Twitter, seeking their input on a potential rebranding. The tweet, "ABEL formerly known as The Weeknd?," garnered substantial attention, including responses from celebrities such as John Legend, who expressed support for the idea. However, it was Tesfaye's involvement in his upcoming HBO show, "The Idol," which delves into the dark side of the pop star industry, that ultimately catalyzed his self-reflection and desire to outgrow the character of The Weeknd.

A Transformative Journey

During the filming of a scene for "The Idol" and concurrently performing as The Weeknd at Los Angeles' SoFi stadium, Tesfaye experienced a profound realization. Switching between his real self and his on-screen character, Tedros, became mentally taxing. Following the concert, Tesfaye unexpectedly lost his voice, a phenomenon he attributes to the disorienting effect of embodying a character who cannot sing. This incident sparked an identity crisis and prompted Tesfaye to confront the trajectory of his entire career.

Farewell to The Weeknd

Tesfaye shared with W Magazine that he is currently on a cathartic path, preparing to bid farewell to The Weeknd chapter of his life. Although he intends to continue making music, he envisions doing so under his birth name, Abel. The artist expresses a strong desire to "kill" The Weeknd, symbolizing a definitive departure from his previous persona and a rebirth of his artistic identity. Tesfaye alludes to the possibility that his forthcoming album as The Weeknd might be his final offering under that name, suggesting a grand and conclusive transformation.

The Path Ahead

Tesfaye's inclination to explore new creative avenues outside of music comes as no surprise. In recent years, he has ventured into voice acting, production, and directing, showcasing his readiness to embrace diverse artistic mediums. Recognizing the significance of film and television, Tesfaye acknowledges that it presents a new creative muscle for him to flex, broadening his artistic horizons beyond the realm of music.

The Idol and its Chaotic Journey

Addressing the rumors surrounding the production and filming process of "The Idol," which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and is set to air on HBO on June 4, Tesfaye maintains a positive outlook. Despite the challenges encountered during its creation, he expresses satisfaction with the final product, considering it a fulfilling risk-taking endeavor. For Tesfaye, reaching the point where he has given his best efforts marks a happy ending.

Abel Tesfaye, formerly known as The Weeknd, has embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery and artistic evolution. By reverting to his birth name, Tesfaye signals a desire to shed his former persona and explore new creative avenues. The forthcoming album as The Weeknd may mark the end of that chapter, but it paves the way for an exciting future as Abel.