1988 - Today
By: Richardine Bartee | Date Added:
FKA Twigs, born Tahliah Debrett Barnett, grew up in the rural town of Gloucestershire. Her mother, of Spanish and English descent, was a dancer and gymnast, whilst her Jamaican father was a Jazz musician. Raised predominantly by her mother and stepfather, she developed a passion for performance at an early age. Twigs began her artistic journey as a dancer, training in ballet, contemporary, and other forms of movement, a discipline that would later play a key role in her music videos and live performances. At 17, Twigs moved to London to pursue her dream of becoming an artist. She initially worked as a backup dancer, appearing in music videos for artists such as Jessie J and Ed Sheeran. During this period, she adopted the nickname "Twigs", a nod to the sound her joints made whilst she danced. The "FKA" prefix (meaning "formerly known as") was added later due to a legal challenge from another artist. In 2012, Twigs self-released her debut extended play (EP) titled "EP1", marking the beginning of her music career. The project showcased her distinctive sound—a fusion of Electronic, R&B, Trip-Hop, and Avant-pop. FKA Twigs gained widespread attention with her second EP, "EP2" (2013), produced in collaboration with Arca. The critically acclaimed single "Water Me" demonstrated her innovative approach to music and visuals, setting her apart as a boundary-pushing artist. Her debut studio album, "LP1" (2014), solidified her status as one of music's most unique voices. Featuring hits like "Two Weeks" and "Pendulum", the album earned her a Mercury Prize nomination and widespread critical acclaim. Twigs continued to expand her artistry with her third EP, "M3LL155X" (2015), and later, her sophomore album, "Magdalene" (2019). The latter was deeply personal, exploring themes of heartbreak, resilience, and spiritual renewal, influenced by her public breakup and recovery from a debilitating health condition. Known for her mesmerizing stage presence and innovative visuals, Twigs has always approached her work as a multidisciplinary artist. Her performances blend music, dance, fashion, and technology, often drawing comparisons to avant-garde pioneers. She has collaborated with prominent designers and brands, including Alexander McQueen and Nike, further cementing her reputation as a fashion and cultural icon. Twigs has been vocal about issues of race, identity, and domestic abuse. In 2020, she filed a lawsuit against a former partner, actor Shia LaBeouf, alleging abusive behavior. Her courage in speaking out brought significant attention to the realities of intimate partner violence and the importance of mental health advocacy. In 2022, FKA Twigs released the mixtape "Caprisongs", a celebration of community, freedom, and self-discovery. The project featured collaborations with artists like The Weeknd and Pa Salieu and marked a more lighthearted shift in her musical narrative. FKA Twigs remains a transformative figure in modern music, celebrated for her fearless innovation and genre-defying approach. With a career spanning over a decade, she continues to inspire audiences worldwide, redefining what it means to be a contemporary artist.
Share your thoughts on this story with us. Your comments will not be made public.
Email
Copyright ©2016 - Design By Bureau Blank