The Weeknd Kills His Own Persona Abel Tesfaye’s Shocking Move to Retire at His Peak

Abel Tesfaye, famously known as The Weeknd, has hinted at retiring the iconic persona after his upcoming projects, following almost 16 years of creating music under the name. In a candid interview with Variety, Tesfaye opened up about his creative journey, his mental exhaustion, and the upcoming changes that could mark the end of an era. As he prepares to release his sixth studio album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, on January 24, 2025, Tesfaye reflects on the factors pushing him to step away from his persona.

A Journey That Led to a Turning Point

The journey that led Tesfaye to consider retiring as The Weeknd was punctuated by a significant moment in September 2022 during a live performance at California’s SoFi Stadium. A mere four songs into his set, the singer had to cancel the show due to his failing voice, sparking a deep introspection. After a visit to the doctor, it became clear that his health was not the issue—it was the mental toll of his work. As he reflects, it was “all up here,” gesturing to his mind, underscoring the psychological strain that had been building over the years.

The Rat Race of Fame and Success

For Tesfaye, the relentless cycle of performing, recording, and achieving new heights began to lose its allure. “You have a persona, but then you have the competition of it all,” he explains. The constant pursuit of accolades, more albums, and more No. 1s created a rat race that never seemed to end. Fame, it seems, became a game where the stakes kept rising until one day, it had to stop. “It never ends until you end it,” Tesfaye admits, revealing that it was his inner drive, not the external pressure, that brought him to consider closing this chapter of his career.

Is It Time to Leave at the Peak?

Reflecting on the cancellation of his 2022 show, Tesfaye wonders if it was a sign to leave at his peak. “You lost your voice because it’s done; you said what you had to say. Don’t overstay at the party,” he says, adding that his new album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, and its associated film mark his final chapter as The Weeknd. He suggests that leaving at the height of his success could be the most fitting conclusion. “Once you understand who I am too much, then it’s time to pivot,” he notes, signaling that the time for change has arrived.

A New Era: The Weeknd is Not the End

Despite the impending end of The Weeknd as we know it, Tesfaye makes it clear that his journey with music is far from over. “I don’t think I can stop doing that,” he says, though he emphasizes the need for a fresh challenge. He believes he has mastered the persona of The Weeknd, reaching the peak of what he can achieve under that name. No one will do it better than me, he asserts, implying that his creative energy is shifting toward new endeavors. His upcoming film, Hurry Up Tomorrow, marks the beginning of this new phase, where Tesfaye will explore his talents beyond music, adding another dimension to his multifaceted career.

What’s Next for Tesfaye? The Future Awaits

Looking toward the future, Tesfaye expresses an eagerness to explore what comes after The Weeknd. “I just want to know what tomorrow looks like,” he says. With his sixth studio album and a feature film debut on the horizon, Tesfaye’s fans are left wondering how he will reinvent himself and what new musical territories he plans to conquer. As for The Weeknd, it’s clear that its creator has reached a point where the challenge is no longer about surpassing himself but about finding something new to master.

A New Beginning on the Horizon

As Tesfaye prepares to release Hurry Up Tomorrow and transition to new creative ventures, The Weeknd’s legacy remains solidified in music history. Whether or not his retirement is permanent, one thing is certain—the world of Abel Tesfaye is evolving, and fans will be watching eagerly as his next chapter unfolds.