The Weeknd Ditches His Iconic Name Is Abel Tesfaye Ready to Conquer the World Without His Persona

A New Era for The Weeknd? After years of teasing, The Weeknd has made the bold decision to change his name back to his real one, Abel Tesfaye. This decision comes ahead of his much-anticipated album Hurry Up Tomorrow, set for release on January 25, 2025. In a recent interview with Variety, he opened up about why he’s ready to leave behind the iconic persona that made him a global sensation.

“I’m closing the chapter on my existence as The Weeknd,” Tesfaye explained. The weight of living up to a persona that’s been a global powerhouse has begun to feel more like a burden than a blessing. “There’s so much competition in it: more accolades, more success, more shows, more awards. It becomes a rat race,” he said. With a reflective attitude, Tesfaye is ready to move on from the image that built his career.

The Turning Point: A Loss of Voice, A Gain in Clarity For Abel Tesfaye

The decision to retire the Weeknd persona wasn’t just a passing thought—it was a pivotal moment in his career. In 2022, after losing his voice during a concert in Los Angeles and forced to reschedule, Tesfaye began seriously reconsidering his future.

“Part of me actually thought, ‘You lost your voice because it’s done; you’ve said what you had to say,’” he shared. This moment made him question the right time to bow out of the limelight. “Don’t overstay at the party—you can end it now and live a happy life,” he said. It’s a revelation that adds an intimate layer to his decision, showing that it’s not about quitting but finding the perfect moment to pivot and redefine himself.

The End of an Era, but Not the Music 

Despite stepping away from his iconic alter ego, Abel Tesfaye assures fans that he’s not stepping away from music altogether. Instead, he’s excited about the challenge of reinventing himself in ways that go beyond his past success. “The Weeknd—whatever that is—has been mastered. No one’s gonna do The Weeknd better than me, and I’m not gonna do it better than what it is right now,” Tesfaye said. This sentiment highlights his desire to break free from the constraints of his past persona and to pursue new creative challenges.

For Abel Tesfaye, it’s about doing something that feels fresh. “Everything needs to feel like a challenge,” he admitted, and that’s where his new project Hurry Up Tomorrow comes in. This album and its accompanying film, slated for release in May 2025, mark the next chapter of his career—one that will blend his musical talents with a cinematic vision.

What’s Next for Abel Tesfaye?

While the world may have known him as The Weeknd, Abel Tesfaye’s future in the industry is just beginning. His decision to evolve as an artist suggests that he’s not afraid to reinvent himself, even if it means walking away from the comforts of his former self. Fans can expect more than just a name change—they’ll see a new direction in his artistry. Hurry Up Tomorrow is just the start, and the companion film promises to be an exciting, boundary-pushing project that could redefine his legacy.

With the world eagerly awaiting his next moves, one thing is clear: the Hurry Up Tomorrow era is going to be filled with bold risks, fresh perspectives, and a reinvention that might just shake the music world to its core. Will Abel Tesfaye succeed in moving beyond The Weeknd? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—his fans are in for a thrilling ride.