Abel Tesfaye, better known as “The Weeknd,” began his rise to fame at 17 after dropping out of high school. He left home with a friend, living in a van and struggling to get by. In 2009, his life changed when he started writing songs and partnered with producer Jeremy Rose. Together, they created three R&B tracks and anonymously uploaded them to YouTube, marking the birth of The Weeknd‘s mysterious persona.

In 2010, Drake reposted Abel’s songs, which quickly gained widespread attention. By 2011, Abel released his mixtape ‘House of Balloons’ for free, further fueling the buzz around him. Fans were intrigued by his anonymity, and he avoided public appearances until his first live show in July 2011, where he revealed his face for the first time.

Abel’s decision to stay anonymous was partly due to insecurity but also an artistic choice that allowed his music to stand out. This strategy distinguished him in an industry focused on image, helping him gain recognition purely for his sound.

Today, Abel Tesfaye’s success speaks for itself. With billions of streams and his own label, XO, he has amassed a fortune of $300 million. His journey highlights the power of creating curiosity, proving that drawing people into your world can spark lasting success.