The artist formerly known as The Weeknd officially changed his name back to his birth name, Abel Tesfaye, primarily driven by a desire to "kill The Weeknd" as part of a personal "cathartic path."
The Artist's Evolution: From The Weeknd to Abel Tesfaye
Abel Tesfaye, widely known as The Weeknd, initiated a significant personal and artistic rebrand by officially reverting to his birth name. This transformation signifies more than just a name change; it represents a profound shift in his artistic identity and personal journey.
The Motivation Behind the Change
The core reason for this decision was articulated by Tesfaye himself, who revealed in an interview that he wanted to "kill The Weeknd." This statement highlights a desire to move beyond the persona that brought him global fame and to embark on a new phase of his life and career. He described this process as being on a "cathartic path," suggesting a need for spiritual or emotional cleansing and renewal.
- Reclaiming Identity: By adopting his birth name, Abel Tesfaye is reclaiming his personal identity and separating it from the highly successful, yet potentially constraining, artistic persona of "The Weeknd."
- Artistic Renewal: The change paves the way for new artistic expressions and themes, unburdened by past expectations associated with The Weeknd character.
- Personal Growth: The "cathartic path" indicates a journey of self-discovery and transformation, where shedding the old identity is a crucial step.
Understanding the Transition
| Former Name | New Name | Primary Reason | Underlying Motivation |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Weeknd | Abel Tesfaye | To "kill The Weeknd" persona | "Cathartic path" |
This strategic move allows Tesfaye to explore new creative avenues and present himself to the world as his authentic self, rather than solely through the lens of his musical alter ego. He even polled his fans on social media, asking "ABEL formally known as The Weeknd?", indicating a transparent transition process.
For further details on his name change, you can refer to reports from reputable news organizations covering the announcement, such as the BBC News article.
