Long before filling stadiums worldwide as The Weeknd, Abel Makkonen Tesfaye grew up navigating a complex household shaped by the immigrant experience in Toronto. His parents, Makkonen Tesfaye and Samrawit Hailu, left Ethiopia in the late 1980s seeking new opportunities, eventually settling in the diverse neighborhood of Scarborough. Understanding his roots reveals the cultural foundation that quietly influenced his artistic evolution.
The relationship between his parents dissolved early in his life. Following their separation, Makkonen left the household, leaving Samrawit to shoulder the daily responsibilities of raising an only child. Because his mother worked multiple jobs to make ends meet, responsibility for his daily upbringing frequently fell to his grandmother, creating a deeply traditional household where Amharic was spoken as a first language.
The Ethiopian Immigrant Journey to Toronto
The story of the Tesfaye family mirrors the broader waves of East African migration to Canada during the late twentieth century. Fleeing political instability and economic hardship at home, Makkonen and Samrawit arrived in Toronto with very little. They joined a growing community of expatriates trying to establish a foothold in a completely new environment.
Life in Scarborough wasn't easy for newly arrived families. Financial strain defined much of Abel's early childhood. Samrawit worked long hours as a nurse and cleaner, often juggling multiple shifts to pay rent and buy groceries. Despite these hardships, she ensured that her son remained connected to his heritage, exposing him to traditional Ethiopian culture, food, and music from an early age.
Household Dynamics and Family Structure
Makkonen Tesfaye's absence left a noticeable void in the household, though Abel did occasionally see him later in life before his father started a new family. Samrawit and her mother provided the primary anchor. His grandmother played a crucial role in daily caretaking while his mother worked, instilling discipline and a strong work ethic.
Because the household was bilingual, Abel grew up speaking Amharic before mastering English. This linguistic foundation gave him a unique perspective within his peer group. Religious and cultural traditions from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church also permeated his early years, embedding a distinct sense of spirituality and community connection that later surfaced in the moody, cathedral-like production styles of his early mixtapes.
Navigating Independence and Early Struggles
As a teenager, the absence of strict paternal supervision combined with financial instability led Abel down a turbulent path. He attended Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute and later West Hill Collegiate Institute before dropping out entirely at age seventeen. He packed his bags, left home for good, and began crashing with friends in rundown apartments across Toronto.
This period of isolation and independence heavily informed his creative output. The gritty reality of navigating the streets of Toronto without a safety net shaped the dark, nocturnal persona that defined House of Balloons. Yet, despite the physical distance and his eventual rise to global fame, he maintained a close bond with his mother, acknowledging her sacrifices in various interviews over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the names of The Weeknd's parents?
His parents are Makkonen Tesfaye and Samrawit Hailu. Both emigrated from Ethiopia to Canada in the late 1980s.
Did The Weeknd grow up with his father?
No. His parents separated when he was very young, and his father moved out. He was raised primarily by his mother and grandmother.
What language did The Weeknd speak first?
Because of his family's heritage, his first language was Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia, which he spoke at home before learning English in school.
Does The Weeknd have any siblings?
No, he is the only child of Makkonen Tesfaye and Samrawit Hailu.
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