The Weeknd Estádio MorumBis – São Paulo, Brazil

The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, is one of the biggest phenomena in contemporary music, recognized for his unique voice, dark and emotional style, and a career that spans R&B, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. Born in Toronto, Canada, to Ethiopian immigrant parents, Abel grew up surrounded by diverse cultural influences that later helped shape his distinctive sound and artistic identity. His life before fame was marked by hardship, intense experiences, and a constant search for identity, factors that deeply reflect in his songwriting, where vulnerability, excess, intense passion, and existential dilemmas appear in raw and authentic form.

In the early 2010s, The Weeknd began releasing music anonymously on the internet, creating mystery around his persona. Three mixtapes quickly drew immediate attention for their quality, dense atmosphere, and confessional lyrics, gaining him a loyal fanbase eager to know who was behind that ethereal, pain-soaked voice. Gradually, his identity was revealed, and the impact of his work became undeniable. The way he combined minimalist beats, melancholic melodies, and lyrical vulnerability stood in sharp contrast to mainstream pop at the time. It was through this that The Weeknd transitioned from a mysterious internet figure to one of the most important voices of his generation.

With the release of his first studio albums, he solidified this meteoric rise. His ability to balance darkness and accessibility allowed him to connect with both critics and a global audience. His songs often embody a duality: on one hand, the celebration of pleasure, fame, and nightlife; on the other, loneliness, emotional emptiness, and deep self-reflection. This complexity makes him an artist who resonates with listeners seeking dancefloor anthems as well as those craving introspective lyrics. His signature vocal timbre, frequently compared to Michael Jackson, became his defining hallmark, delivering emotion and intensity in every track.

Throughout his career, The Weeknd has shown himself to be an innovator. He refuses to stick to formulas, instead constantly reinventing his sound—whether incorporating more danceable electronic elements or creating cinematic, futuristic atmospheres. His works are often conceived as complete experiences, with narratives and concepts that intertwine, turning each album into more than just a collection of songs but a profound artistic statement. Visuals also play a central role in his artistry: music videos, live performances, and even carefully constructed public personas complement his music, building a cohesive aesthetic universe.

This artistic vision was particularly clear in the era of the album that catapulted him into worldwide superstardom, where he embodied characters through videos and performances, weaving narratives that merged music, cinema, and performance art. This boldness set him apart and cemented his image as someone who not only produces hits but also creates cultural experiences. His Super Bowl halftime performance was a landmark, showcasing his talent and creativity while transforming a concert into an unforgettable spectacle.

The Weeknd also became a global phenomenon in terms of numbers, with songs breaking streaming and sales records. His most iconic hit, which dominated global charts for months, is a prime example of his ability to fuse modern sonics with accessible melodies, creating an instant classic. Yet to reduce his career to one single success would be unfair, as his discography is filled with songs that defined different eras, always demonstrating his growth and evolution as an artist. From intimate, sorrowful tracks to explosive dance anthems, he has proven both his versatility and emotional depth.

Another striking aspect of his career is his ability to reach across genres and audiences. Collaborations with hip-hop, pop, electronic, and even rock artists expanded his cultural reach and showcased his adaptability without losing his essence. His involvement in film and television soundtracks further emphasized the cinematic nature of his music, broadening his influence beyond the traditional music sphere.

Despite his success, The Weeknd has never shed the enigmatic aura that has surrounded him since his early days. His reserved demeanor offstage reinforces the contrast between Abel, the private individual, and The Weeknd, the public persona. This duality continues to fuel fascination around him, adding to the mystique. His art often seems to be in constant dialogue with these contrasts: light and shadow, fame and solitude, pleasure and pain.

With more than a decade in the spotlight, The Weeknd is already considered one of the defining icons of 21st-century music. His influence is evident in a new generation of artists who blend genres, explore darker atmospheres, and write more vulnerable, personal lyrics. At the same time, his dominance on the charts and the biggest stages in the world highlights his rare ability to balance mainstream success with experimental artistry. His impact stretches far beyond music, touching fashion, audiovisual aesthetics, and even the way modern artists construct their careers.

At his core, The Weeknd is a storyteller through music. His stories speak of excess, passionate love, long nights, but also loneliness, regrets, and the search for meaning amidst fame and chaos. His voice carries both power and fragility, transmitting emotions that resonate with millions of listeners around the globe. Abel Tesfaye has transformed his personal experiences into universal art, and it is precisely this ability to turn pain and pleasure into music that makes him one of the most fascinating and relevant artists of our time.

Event Name: The Weeknd

When does it happens?: 30/04/2026 ~ 01/05/2026

Where does it take place?: Estádio MorumBis – São Paulo, Brazil