Abel Tesfaye, better known as TheWeeknd, has amassed a huge fan base worldwide, selling out stadiums and achieving record-breaking music streams. Beyond his music, The Weeknd has captivated audiences with his visually compelling music videos and storytelling albums, bringing his persona to life on stage.
As the music videos have grown increasingly violent with each release, fans have speculated about the future of this enigmatic character. TheWeeknd has subjected himself to brutal portrayals, sporting broken noses and busted lips, while also depicting his struggles with substance abuse. More recently, the multi-talented artist, who has transitioned into acting and producing, has revealed that he will be embarking on a new career path and his recent social media changes serve as evidence of this transformation.
Fans have noticed that the singer has changed his social media handles, particularly on Twitter and Instagram, where he now goes by his birth name, Abel Tesfaye. While some less-attentive fans were taken aback by this sudden change, there is a reason behind it.
Why is TheWeeknd changing his name on social media?
Last week, during a candid interview with W Magazine, Tesfaye opened up about his upcoming endeavors on television with the contentious The Idol, as well as his future in the music landscape. Keeping it brutally honest, TheWeeknd has bluntly admitted that his upcoming album will likely end the chapter of his life led by his artistic persona, where he intends to finally kill TheWeeknd, and continue on as Abel Tesfaye.
“‘I’m going through a cathartic path right now,’ he said. ‘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.’”
The anticipated change is already unfolding as the singer kicks off the second leg of his global tour. While still utilizing the handle “theweeknd” on social media, notable changes have begun to emerge. The account names have transitioned to his birth name, as he attempts to detach himself from TheWeeknd. While undoubtedly an important chapter of his life – which he carried for 14 years – Abel will now forge ahead simply as Abel, although there remains a glimmer of hope for the occasional appearance of TheWeeknd (though this may be wishful thinking on our part).
As for his upcoming album, TheWeeknd is set to return to music one last time in 2023 as his last hurrah to his persona, but the official release date has not yet been disclosed.