The Weeknd considers name change, says he’s in his “Abel era”

By: Natasha Archary

Canadian singer and songwriter, The Weeknd is considering changing his stage name, saying he’s in his “Abel era.”

The Die For You hitmaker, whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, created his performing name, The Weeknd at the start of his music career in 2009.

In an interview with W Magazine, the 33-year old multi-Grammy winner said he’s ready to close “The Weeknd chapter.”

For the singer, it’s not about juggling between the two vastly different personas, as he says he’s in a different mindset and space in the journey that is his life.

“I’m going through a cathartic path right now. 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 Weekend. But I still want to “kill” The Weeknd. And I will. Eventually. I’m definitely trying to shed that skin and be reborn.”
The Weeknd a quoted from W Magazine

In his music videos, The Weeknd expressed a number of personalities and character traits, and says he’s determined to make his way through the music industry by staying true to himself.

Abel, who is soft-spoken and calm compared to The Weeknd, says he’s determined to make his way through the music industry by staying true to himself.

After snubs from the Grammy Awards over his 2020 album After Hours failed to secure a nomination, despite hits such as Blinding Lights, Save Your Tears, and In Your Eyes, The Weeknd shared he will be boycotting future Grammy Awards.

“I like when all the odds are against me. I’ve always been an underdog, in the beginning, the music business was not easy. I had to fight to get to the top of the mountain.”

The Weeknd recently shared on his social media that he is evolving and is now in his “Abel era.”

In March, the singer was named the “Most Popular” artist in the world by Guinness World Records.

The Weeknd, received the nod after Spotify data from prominent artists were analyzed.

With the most monthly listeners on Spotify at 111.4 million The Weeknd is also the first artist to reach 100 million listeners.