Harriott Wald

Written by Harriott Wald

Published: 20 Apr 2025

36-facts-about-fka-twigs
Source: Edition.cnn.com

Who is FKA twigs? Born Tahliah Debrett Barnett, FKA twigs is a British singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress known for her unique blend of music genres and captivating visuals. Her stage name, "FKA," stands for "Formerly Known As," a nod to her early career as a backup dancer. Twigs' music combines elements of electronic, R&B, and avant-garde, creating a sound that's both innovative and deeply emotional. Her debut album, "LP1," received critical acclaim and established her as a force in the music industry. Beyond music, twigs has also made waves in fashion and film, showcasing her versatility and artistic vision.

Table of Contents

Who is FKA twigs?

FKA twigs, born Tahliah Debrett Barnett, is a British singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress known for her unique blend of music and performance art. Her work often explores themes of identity, love, and empowerment. Here are some fascinating facts about this multi-talented artist.

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    Birthplace: FKA twigs was born on January 16, 1988, in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England.

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    Stage Name Origin: The name "FKA twigs" comes from her nickname "twigs" due to the way her joints crack. "FKA" stands for "Formerly Known As," added later due to a name conflict with another artist.

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    Dance Background: Before her music career, she was a backup dancer for artists like Jessie J, Ed Sheeran, and Kylie Minogue.

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    Mixed Heritage: She has a diverse background, with a Jamaican father and a Spanish-English mother.

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    Early Music: Her first EP, "EP1," was self-released on Bandcamp in 2012.

Musical Achievements

FKA twigs has made significant strides in the music industry, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Her innovative sound and visuals set her apart from her peers.

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    Debut Album: Her debut studio album, "LP1," was released in 2014 and received a Mercury Prize nomination.

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    Grammy Nomination: She earned a Grammy nomination for Best Music Video for her song "Cellophane" in 2020.

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    Collaborations: Twigs has collaborated with artists like A$AP Rocky, Future, and The Weeknd.

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    Unique Sound: Her music blends genres like electronic, R&B, and trip-hop, creating a distinctive sound.

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    Critical Acclaim: Publications like Pitchfork and Rolling Stone have praised her work, often featuring her in their year-end lists.

Acting Career

Beyond music, FKA twigs has also ventured into acting, showcasing her versatility as an artist.

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    Film Debut: She made her film debut in the 2019 movie "Honey Boy," directed by Alma Har'el.

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    Role in "The King's Man": Twigs appeared in the 2021 film "The King's Man," a prequel to the Kingsman series.

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    Music Videos: She often directs and choreographs her own music videos, adding a personal touch to her visual storytelling.

Personal Life and Advocacy

FKA twigs is not just an artist; she is also an advocate for various social issues and has a rich personal life that influences her work.

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    Relationship with Robert Pattinson: She dated actor Robert Pattinson from 2014 to 2017, attracting significant media attention.

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    Survivor of Abuse: Twigs has been open about her experiences with domestic abuse, using her platform to raise awareness.

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    Health Struggles: In 2018, she revealed she had undergone surgery to remove fibroid tumors from her uterus.

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    Advocacy: She supports causes like Black Lives Matter and has spoken out against racial and gender inequality.

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    Spirituality: Twigs practices various forms of spirituality, including meditation and tarot reading, which influence her art.

Artistic Vision

FKA twigs is known for her avant-garde approach to art, blending various mediums to create a unique experience for her audience.

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    Visual Art: She often incorporates elements of visual art into her performances and music videos.

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    Fashion Icon: Twigs is also a fashion icon, known for her eclectic and bold style choices.

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    Performance Art: Her live performances are often described as performance art, featuring elaborate choreography and set designs.

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    Influences: She cites artists like Björk, Kate Bush, and Janet Jackson as major influences on her work.

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    Innovative Videos: Her music videos are known for their innovative use of technology and special effects.

Awards and Recognition

FKA twigs has received numerous awards and nominations, solidifying her status as a groundbreaking artist.

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    Brit Awards: She has been nominated for multiple Brit Awards, including British Female Solo Artist.

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    NME Awards: Twigs won the NME Award for Best Track in 2015 for her song "Two Weeks."

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    UK Music Video Awards: She has received several UK Music Video Awards for her visually stunning music videos.

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    Time Magazine: In 2019, Time magazine included her in their list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about FKA twigs that showcase her unique personality and interests.

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    Martial Arts: She practices martial arts, including wushu and kung fu, which she sometimes incorporates into her performances.

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    Horse Riding: Twigs is an avid horse rider and often shares photos of her riding adventures on social media.

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    Anime Fan: She is a fan of anime and has cited "Neon Genesis Evangelion" as one of her favorites.

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    DIY Enthusiast: Twigs enjoys DIY projects and often makes her own costumes and props for her performances.

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    Pet Lover: She has a pet dog named Solo, who frequently appears in her social media posts.

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    Tattoo Enthusiast: Twigs has several tattoos, each with personal significance, including one of a dagger on her forearm.

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    Vegan: She follows a vegan diet and often shares vegan recipes with her fans.

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    Bookworm: Twigs loves reading and often shares her favorite books with her followers.

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    Astrology: She has a keen interest in astrology and often incorporates astrological themes into her work.

FKA twigs: A Unique Talent

FKA twigs has carved out a niche in the music world with her innovative sound and bold artistic vision. Her journey from a backup dancer to a critically acclaimed artist showcases her determination and talent. Twigs' ability to blend genres, push boundaries, and create visually stunning music videos sets her apart. Her work isn't just about music; it's a full sensory experience that challenges and inspires.

Her personal life, often in the spotlight, hasn't overshadowed her artistry. Instead, it adds depth to her narrative, making her even more relatable. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to her music, there's no denying her impact on the industry. FKA twigs continues to evolve, and her future projects are eagerly anticipated. Keep an eye on this trailblazing artist; she's just getting started.

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