FKA twigs has shared the video for “Don’t Judge Me”, her new single with Headie One and Fred Again. Co-directed by twigs (real name Tahliah Barnett) and Black Is King filmmaker Emmanuel Adjei, the striking visuals explore the experience of being Black and British.
Depicting the “struggle against an invisible oppressor” alongside twigs and Headie One are several influential Black British figures, including Munroe Bergdorf, Clara Amfo, Reni Eddo-Lodge, Benjamin Zephaniah, and Solomon O.B.
Appropriately, many of the scenes also take place in front of Kara Walker’s momentous Tate installation, Fons Americanus. Inspired by the Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace, the artwork explores the origins of the African diaspora. “It was an honour to shoot with kara walkers fountain exploring the interconnection of black history between africa, america and europe,” writes twigs in an Twitter post.
Adjei adds, in a statement: “Having the enormous Victorian-inspired fountain Fons Americanus by visual artist Kara Walker – depicting the historical, sorrowful story of slavery and colonisation – as our setting, and particularly as the spirit of the film, this important monument creates another layer of depth and meaning to an invisible yet shared history.”
Watch the new visuals for FKA twigs and Headie One’s “Don’t Judge Me” below.
Next month (February 10), twigs is also set to launch a new radio station, featuring the artists that have helped shape her world and influence her own music. Yesterday, she appeared on Louis Theroux’s podcast, Grounded with Louis Theroux, discussing more of her influences and opening up about her relationship with Shia LaBeouf, following her filing of a lawsuit alleging physical and emotional abuse.
