FKA Twigs is an acclaimed English singer, songwriter, and dancer, widely recognized for her experimental music and innovative visual artistry. She gained prominence with the releases of her early works, EP1 and EP2, which showcased her genre-defying sound and avant-garde style.
Tahliah Debrett Barnett was born on January 16, 1988, in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom. Of Jamaican and English-Spanish descent, she was raised primarily by her mother, a salsa dancer and gymnastics coach. Growing up in a rural setting, Barnett was encouraged to pursue the performing arts, including ballet and opera, from a young age.
Nicknamed "Twigs" because of the distinctive way her joints would crack, she began singing in a youth jazz band at the age of 13. She attended a Catholic girls' school on scholarship, where she was the only mixed-race student—an experience that often left her feeling isolated. By the time she was 16, Barnett was writing her own songs, drawing inspiration from a diverse palette of artists such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Adam Ant.
At 17, Barnett moved to London to pursue a career in dance. She appeared as a backup dancer in music videos for artists like Jessie J, Ed Sheeran, Kylie Minogue, and Taio Cruz. It was during this time that she realized her true passion was creating her own music. Collaborating with friends CY AN and LJ Howe, she briefly joined a punk band called Delirium Tremens, inspired by groups like X-Ray Spex.
While bartending to support herself, Barnett also began working with music producers, eventually connecting with producer and songwriter Mike Chapman. This period marked the beginning of her transition from dancer to recording artist. Her unique blend of electronic, R&B, and avant-pop would soon make her a standout figure in the alternative music scene.
FKA Twigs began dating actor Robert Pattinson in July 2014. The relationship attracted considerable media attention. The couple became engaged in early 2015, although they later called off the engagement and parted ways in August 2017.
FKA Twigs independently released her debut extended play, EP1, in 2012. The project included a set of self-directed music videos, showcasing her talent not just as a singer and songwriter but also as a visual innovator. In 2013, she released EP2, produced in collaboration with Arca, a Venezuelan electronic music producer known for his work with Kanye West.
EP2 helped establish Twigs as a bold new voice in experimental pop and earned her critical acclaim. Later that year, she was shortlisted for the BBC Sound of 2014 poll, ultimately won by Sam Smith. Both EPs were pivotal in earning her a loyal fan base and establishing her as a major presence in contemporary music.
| Net Worth 2021: | 4 million |
