Abel Tesfaye, famously known as The Weeknd, is set to bid farewell to his iconic stage name following the release of his highly-anticipated album and film, Hurry Up Tomorrow.
In a candid interview with Variety, Tesfaye revealed that after 15 years of success under his alias, he feels a strong desire to move on. He expressed that maintaining the persona has become burdensome, stating, “It’s a headspace I’ve gotta get into that I just don’t have any more desire for,” highlighting the relentless pressure of competition in the music industry. As he prepares to close this chapter of his career, he reflects on his journey, noting that it feels like the right time to step away while still at the peak of his success.
Since bursting onto the scene in 2010 with his debut track, Tesfaye has amassed an impressive catalogue that includes three mixtapes, four EPs, and five studio albums, selling over 75 million records worldwide. His accolades include seven diamond certifications and four Grammy Awards. However, a pivotal moment occurred during a performance at SoFi Stadium in September 2022 when he lost his voice while singing “Can’t Feel My Face.”
This incident prompted him to reconsider his future as The Weeknd. “Part of me actually was thinking, ‘You lost your voice because it’s done; you said what you had to say,’” he shared. This realization has fueled his decision to pivot away from the persona that has defined him for so long.
Despite retiring The Weeknd name, Tesfaye assures fans that he will continue making music. He emphasized that while he has mastered the challenges associated with his current persona, he is eager for new creative endeavours. His upcoming album Hurry Up Tomorrow, set for release on January 24, is described as his “last hurrah” under this alias.
Alongside the album, a psychological thriller film of the same name featuring Tesfaye himself alongside Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan will premiere on May 16. As he embarks on this new journey as Abel Tesfaye, fans can expect a fresh perspective from an artist who is ready to explore new challenges while leaving behind the legacy of The Weeknd.
