A Performance Stripped Bare: FKA twigs and the Power of Vulnerability

Instead of concealing the process, FKA twigs invited the audience into the very act of creation. Throughout the evening, she shed layers – both literal and metaphorical – changing outfits in plain sight, as if sharing a private moment with thousands. This transparency was underscored by the lyrics of “Lights On,” where she sang, “When I trust you / We can do it with the lights on,” a sentiment that permeated the entire performance.

The artist openly discussed the importance of unconditional acceptance, crediting her mother for fostering a judgment-free environment. “I was very lucky my mom brought me up in a way with no judgement and a lot of tolerance for everybody,” she shared, expressing a hope that the concert space could echo that same energy. This message of inclusivity resonated deeply with the diverse crowd.

FKA twigs’s background as a highly-trained dancer – encompassing ballet, tap, contemporary, and hip-hop – was on full display. During “Drums of Death,” a standout track from her critically acclaimed 2025 album EUSEXUA (recognized as one of the best albums of 2025), she and her dancers recreated the iconic music video choreography, pushing physical boundaries with provocative poses atop office furniture. The performance was a potent blend of power and vulnerability.

The setlist seamlessly moved between genres, offering a taste of the infectious dancehall rhythms of “papi bones” and the sensual energy of “tears in the club,” both from her CAPRISONGS mixtape (CAPRISONGS). “Sushi” was transformed into a purely choreographic experience, showcasing the influence of ballroom culture with dynamic duckwalks and dips.

Beyond dance, twigs demonstrated her versatility, incorporating acrobatic pole-dancing and Wushu sword-fighting into the show. She also proved her mastery of stage presence through stillness, notably during “Eusexua,” where she commanded attention simply by being present. Dancers used mirrors to reflect light, creating a visual metaphor for the inner radiance she discovered within herself.

The artist addressed the previous cancellation of her Toronto show with heartfelt sincerity. “I know that there’s always so much chatter online, just about artists not caring and not coming,” she admitted. “It broke my heart to see that. That was not my truth at all. I was fighting with everything I had to come back here and I’m so sorry.” The audience responded with overwhelming support and forgiveness.

FKA twigs understands the power of restraint. During “home with you,” she initiated the music, allowing the audience to fill the silence with anticipation. This created a palpable tension, demonstrating her control over the emotional landscape of the arena.

The concert culminated in a breathtaking rendition of “cellophane,” the emotionally charged finale from her earlier work. As fake snow fell and her feathered dress was dramatically torn away, she embodied the fragility and strength inherent in the song’s lyrics. Her pole work was particularly striking, representing the effort and vulnerability poured into a fractured relationship. The reprise saw her deliver the song with a raw, almost unbearable emotional intensity, hyperventilating and sobbing as she sang about feeling overwhelmed and alone.

Was it a performance, or a genuine outpouring of emotion? The line blurred, leaving the audience with a profound sense of connection and a renewed appreciation for FKA twigs’s artistry.

What does it mean to truly connect with an artist on stage? And how much of a performance is genuine emotion versus carefully crafted artistry?

Frequently Asked Questions About FKA twigs’s Toronto Concert