February 16, 2026 – Today, the world turns up the volume for one of the most electrifying voices in music. Happy Birthday to The Weeknd! Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, the visionary behind haunting melodies, record-shattering hits, and a persona that blends mystery, vulnerability, and raw power, is celebrating his 36th birthday. From the shadowy alleys of Scarborough to global stadiums, The Weeknd has captivated millions with his signature blend of R&B, pop, and electronic sounds.
Whether you’re blasting “Blinding Lights” on repeat or diving into his latest era with Hurry Up Tomorrow, this is the perfect day to honor the man who made heartbreak sound so good. At Happy Birthday Party SMS, we’re all about turning celebrations into unforgettable experiences. Join us as we explore everything from a quick bio to creative ways to party like a true XO fan. Let’s make Abel’s day as legendary as his music!
Birthday of The Weeknd
Short Bio About The Weeknd
Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, professionally known as The Weeknd, was born on February 16, 1990, in Scarborough, a suburb of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The only child of Ethiopian immigrants Makkonen and Samrawit Tesfaye, who separated shortly after his birth, Abel was raised primarily by his mother and grandmother. His early life was steeped in Ethiopian culture, church music, and a deep love for R&B legends like Michael Jackson and Prince— influences that would later define his soaring falsetto and emotional depth.
At 17, Abel dropped out of high school to pursue music full-time. He worked odd jobs, including at American Apparel, while secretly recording in his bedroom. In 2011, he anonymously uploaded three mixtapes—House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence—to YouTube. These gritty, atmospheric projects explored themes of sex, drugs, and fleeting romance, quickly earning cult status and praise from critics like Drake, who helped propel him into the spotlight.
Signed to Republic Records and his own label XO in 2012, The Weeknd released his debut album Kiss Land in 2013. But it was Beauty Behind the Madness (2015) that catapulted him to superstardom, with smash hits like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills.” Starboy (2016) followed, featuring the Daft Punk collaboration that defined a generation. His 2020 album After Hours delivered the pandemic-era anthem “Blinding Lights,” which shattered Billboard records and became Spotify’s most-streamed song ever.
Subsequent releases like Dawn FM (2022) and Hurry Up Tomorrow (2025) pushed boundaries with cinematic production and introspective lyrics. The Weeknd has earned four Grammy Awards, an Oscar nomination for “Earned It,” and billions of streams. Beyond music, he’s ventured into acting (The Idol, the upcoming Hurry Up Tomorrow film) and fashion, while using his platform for good through philanthropy.
At 36, with his After Hours Til Dawn Tour extending into 2026, The Weeknd remains a force—mysterious, evolving, and eternally cool. Happy Birthday, Abel. The world is better with your sound in it.
Birthday Wishes & Messages for The Weeknd
Fans love sending heartfelt (or fun) birthday wishes to their idol. Here are SMS-style messages you can copy, tweak, and send to friends, post on social media, or even tag @theweeknd on X or Instagram. Keep it XO!
- Short & Sweet: “Happy 36th, The Weeknd! May your day be blinding and your year full of stars. XO forever! 🎂✨”
- Music Nod: “Abel, from House of Balloons to Hurry Up Tomorrow—you’ve been the soundtrack of my highs and lows. Happy Birthday! Keep shining. ❤️”
- Fan Love: “Happy Birthday to the king of R&B! Your voice heals, your vibes inspire. Wishing you endless success and peace. #XO36”
- Playful: “The Weeknd turns 36 today! Hope your cake is as sweet as ‘Starboy’ and your party as wild as After Hours. Let’s party! 🥳”
- Deep: “On your birthday, thank you for turning pain into art. You’ve made millions feel less alone. Happy 36th, legend. 🌹”
- Group Message Idea: “XO squad, it’s The Weeknd’s bday! Send him love by streaming his music today. Who’s down for a virtual toast? 🎉”
- Romantic Fan Vibes: “Happy Birthday, Abel. If I could, I’d save my tears just to dance with you under the blinding lights. You’re iconic! 💃”
- Motivational: “36 looks good on you! Keep breaking records and hearts (in the best way). The world needs more Weeknd magic. Happy Bday!”
- Ethiopian Pride: “From Toronto to the globe—happy birthday to a son of Ethiopia who makes us all proud. XO! 🇪🇹🎂”
- Ultimate Wish: “May your 37th year bring new albums, sold-out tours, and all the joy you give us. Happy Birthday, The Weeknd! We love you. 🌟”
Pro tip from Happy Birthday Party SMS: Personalize with a song lyric or inside joke for that extra touch. Tag him and use #HappyBirthdayTheWeeknd to join the global trend!
Read More About: Birthday Wishes for Singers: Celebrating the Melody of Life with 105 Greetings, Message & Quotes
How to Celebrate The Weeknd’s Birthday Online
No need for a plane ticket to Toronto—celebrate virtually and connect with millions of fans worldwide!
- Social Media Storm: Post a throwback photo, fan edit, or cover of “Die For You” on TikTok, Instagram Reels, or X. Use hashtags like #TheWeekndBday, #XO36, and #BlindingLightsForever. Challenge friends to duet your favorite track.
- Virtual Listening Party: Create a Spotify collaborative playlist or host a YouTube Live. Play his full discography—from early mixtapes to Hurry Up Tomorrow. Fans can chat in real-time about standout moments.
- Fan Content Creation: Make memes, AI art of Abel in a birthday crown, or a “36 Reasons We Love The Weeknd” video. Share on Reddit’s r/TheWeeknd for community love.
- Charity Boost: Donate to the XO Humanitarian Fund (partnered with the World Food Programme) and share your receipt. It’s the ultimate online gift—Abel has raised millions fighting hunger in Ethiopia and beyond.
- Live Streams & Challenges: Watch old interviews or tour footage together via Discord. Or start a #WeekndDanceChallenge on TikTok.
Online celebrations are free, global, and eco-friendly. Plus, Abel often reposts fan love—your post could go viral!
How to Arrange a Fan Party for The Weeknd
Turn any gathering into an epic XO Fan Party—perfect for birthdays, watch parties, or just because!
Theme Ideas:
- After Hours Vibes: Red lighting, black suits, and heart-shaped decor.
- Starboy Glam: Gold stars, neon signs with lyrics like “I’m a motherfu*king starboy.”
- Hurry Up Tomorrow Retro: 80s synth waves, fog machines, and vintage TVs.
Setup Tips:
- Decor: Balloons in red, black, and white. String lights spelling “XO.” Photo booth with sunglasses and fake mustaches.
- Playlist: Curate 50+ tracks spanning his career. End with a group sing-along to “Save Your Tears.”
- Activities:
- Trivia: “What year was ‘Blinding Lights’ released?” (2020)
- Karaoke corner.
- Fan story time: Share how his music changed your life.
- Food & Drinks: “Can’t Feel My Face” spicy tacos, “Starboy” star-shaped pizzas, mocktails called “Dawn FM Fizz.”
Virtual Option: Use Zoom or Houseparty for remote fans. Send digital invites via Canva with his album art.
Invite local XO groups from Facebook or Meetup. Keep it intimate (10-20 people) or go big—Abel would approve of the energy!
Read More About: Birthday Party for Singers: 10 Fun and Creative Birthday Party Themes for Singers
Birthday Cake Ideas for The Weeknd
No party is complete without a showstopping cake. Here are The Weeknd-inspired designs that fans (and bakers) will adore:
- XO Classic: Black fondant base with gold “XO” lettering and red roses. Simple, elegant, and instantly recognizable.
- Blinding Lights Glow: White cake with red “dripping” icing and battery-powered LED lights on top. Add a mini disco ball for extra flair.
- Starboy Spectacular: Black cake covered in edible gold stars, with a silhouette of Abel in sunglasses as the topper.
- After Hours Drama: Red velvet layers with black hearts and a bleeding eye design (fondant, of course). Dramatic and delicious.
- Custom Fan Favorite: Album cover recreation—print Hurry Up Tomorrow art on edible paper and top with sparklers.
Bake at home or order from a local shop. Pro tip: Add a playlist QR code on the cake board so guests can jam while slicing!
Read More About: Birthday Cake for Singers: 10 Creative Birthday Cake Designs Every Singer Will Love
How to Choose & Send the Perfect Gift for The Weeknd
Gifting a global icon? Focus on meaning over material. Here’s how to make it personal and impactful:
- Fan Creations: Handmade art, a scrapbook of fan letters, or a custom video montage. Compile them into a digital package and post publicly—Abel sees a lot!
- Merch Magic: Grab official XO hoodies, vinyls, or limited-edition items from his store. “Gift” them by tagging him in unboxing videos.
- The Ultimate Charitable Gift: Donate to the XO Humanitarian Fund through the World Food Programme. Since 2022, it’s helped millions fight hunger, especially in Ethiopia (Abel’s heritage). Text “XO” to a donation line or visit wfp.org—the perfect way to say “thank you” for the music.
- Personal Touches: A handwritten letter sharing a specific song’s impact. Or support his tour by buying a 2026 ticket and dedicating it to him online.
How to Send:
- Digital: DMs, tagged posts, or email via his official site.
- Physical: Fan mail often goes through management (check theweeknd.com for addresses) or local radio contests.
- Group Effort: Organize a fan drive—pool money for a big donation in his name.
Abel values authenticity and giving back. A thoughtful gift from the heart will mean more than anything flashy.
Read More About: Birthday Gift for Singers: Top 10 Birthday Gift Ideas for Singers That Will Hit the Right Note
Note: Send gifts through professional channels (like his management or official fan mail) to ensure they’re received respectfully.
The Weeknd at Wikipedia
The Weeknd at Instagram
Happy 36th Birthday, The Weeknd! From his humble Toronto beginnings to lighting up the world’s biggest stages, Abel Tesfaye continues to inspire with every note. Whether you’re sending a quick SMS wish, throwing a fan bash, or donating in his name, today is about celebrating the artist who made us feel seen.
At Happy Birthday Party SMS, we believe every birthday deserves a little extra magic. Share your celebrations with us using #HBPSMS and tag The Weeknd. Who knows? Your post might just make his day brighter.
Stay legendary, XO family. And remember: In a world full of noise, The Weeknd’s voice will always cut through.
Happy Birthday, Abel. We love you. 🎉❤️
Kauser Ali