It is rare for a pop star to dominate the charts in three different decades, but Keisha Buchanan is not your average pop star. As a founding member of the Sugababes, she helped define the sound of British R&B and pop in the early 2000s.
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Her distinct, soulful vocals were the backbone of some of the UK’s biggest hits, from the cool harmonies of “Overload” to the chart-topping pop anthem “About You Now.” However, her journey hasn’t been without its turbulence, involving high-profile lineup changes, legal battles for her own band name, and a fight to reclaim her narrative.
Now, in 2026, Keisha Buchanan is enjoying a massive resurgence. Fresh off a spectacular victory on The Masked Singer, and with the Sugababes firmly back in their original formation, she has cemented her status as a British cultural icon.
But beyond the glitz of primetime TV and arena tours, Buchanan has demonstrated immense personal resilience, facing challenges in her private life with the same strength she brings to the stage.
Quick Facts: Keisha Buchanan Profile
For a snapshot of the singer’s vital statistics and career milestones, refer to the table below:
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Keisha Kerreece Fayeanne Buchanan |
| Date of Birth | September 30, 1984 |
| Place of Birth | Westminster, London, England |
| Age (2026) | 42 |
| Musical Genres | R&B, Pop, Soul |
| Key Group | Sugababes (Founding Member) |
| TV Wins | The Masked Singer (Series 7, 2026 – “Moth”) |
| Record Labels | London, Island, Polydor, Roc Nation |
Early Years and Formation: The Roots of a Girl Group Phenomenon
Born in Westminster to parents of Jamaican descent, Keisha Buchanan’s musical journey is inextricably linked with her childhood friend, Mutya Buena. The two met in primary school, a meeting sparked because Buchanan recognized Buena from a television appearance on a Michael Barrymore talent show. This friendship would become the foundation of one of the UK’s most successful girl groups.
They attended Kingsbury High School together, and by the age of 13, the wheels were in motion. While Mutya Buena and another young singer, Siobhán Donaghy, were working separately as solo artists, a chance meeting at a showcase brought them together. Buchanan was invited to the studio by Buena, and manager Ron Tom saw the potential in the trio.
Likening their diverse looks to a “United Colors of Benetton” campaign, Tom signed them. Originally called “The Sugababies,” they matured the name to “Sugababes” upon signing with London Records.
Unlike the manufactured pop acts of the era, the Sugababes were distinct because they were songwriters. They co-wrote most of the tracks on their debut album, setting a precedent for credibility that would follow Buchanan throughout her career.
Chart-Topping Success: Defining the 2000s
The Sugababes’ impact on the British music scene was immediate and profound. Their debut single, “Overload,” peaked at number 6 on the UK Singles Chart in 2000. It was a sophisticated slice of R&B that sounded unlike anything else on the radio, earning them a BRIT Award nomination for Best Single.
While their debut album One Touch was critically acclaimed, internal friction and label pressure led to Siobhán Donaghy’s departure. This marked the beginning of the “Lineup Change” era that would plague the group’s narrative. However, commercially, the arrival of Heidi Range (formerly of Atomic Kitten) ushered in the group’s golden era.
Between 2002 and 2007, with Buchanan as a constant anchor, the group became unstoppable. They racked up hit after hit, achieving feats that few UK girl groups ever manage.
The Number One Singles
Keisha Buchanan features on all six of the Sugababes’ UK number-one singles:
- Freak Like Me (2002) – A mashup masterpiece that redefined their sound.
- Round Round (2002) – Another chart-topper produced by Xenomania.
- Hole in the Head (2003) – A catchy pop hit that also broke into the US Billboard Hot 100.
- Push the Button (2005) – Perhaps their signature song, spending three weeks at number one.
- Walk This Way (2007) – A collaboration with Girls Aloud for Comic Relief.
- About You Now (2007) – Their highest-selling single, moving almost 500,000 copies.
Group Evolution and Departure: The Controversy of 2009
The narrative of the Sugababes is often defined by its rotating door of members, but Keisha Buchanan was the longest-serving original member, surviving two major lineup changes. After Mutya Buena left in 2005 to be replaced by Amelle Berrabah, Buchanan continued to lead the group to success with albums like Taller in More Ways and Change.
However, the tensions that had long been rumored in the tabloids came to a head in 2009. The group had traveled to the United States to record their seventh studio album, Sweet 7, signing a high-profile deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.
In September 2009, the unthinkable happened for fans: Keisha Buchanan, the last remaining original member, was ousted. She was replaced by Eurovision entrant Jade Ewen. Buchanan took to Twitter to clarify that it was “not my choice to leave,” sparking a massive backlash from fans and the press.
The Guardian famously ran a piece titled “Why the Sugababes’ show can’t go on without Keisha,” and many felt the group had lost its identity.
The Road to Reunion: Reclaiming the Name
Following her departure, Buchanan initially pursued a solo career. She recorded heavily, with rumors of 50 tracks in the vault and a sound described as “fresh” and “tongue-in-cheek.” She featured on tracks with Jay Sean and appeared in D’banj’s “Oliver Twist” video. However, the pull of her original musical chemistry was too strong.
From MKS to Sugababes
The road back to the Sugababes name was a legal and emotional marathon.
- 2011: Rumors of a reunion begin to swirl.
- 2012: The original trio (Mutya, Keisha, Siobhán) officially reform under the name Mutya Keisha Siobhan (MKS). They released the critically adored single “Flatline.”
- 2013-2019: The group works behind the scenes to regain the rights to the “Sugababes” trademark, which Buchanan had begun registering in the U.S. as early as 2015.
- 2019: Victory. The trio officially reclaims the Sugababes name.
- 2022: They release The Lost Tapes, an album of previously unreleased material, and embark on a headline tour, proving that their harmonies and their fanbase remained intact.
2026: The Masked Singer and Pop Culture Dominance
Fast forward to 2026, and Keisha Buchanan is enjoying a new peak in her career. Stepping out on her own, she participated in the seventh series of ITV’s massive hit The Masked Singer.
Disguised as “Moth,” she captivated the nation week after week. The character allowed her to showcase her vocal versatility without the baggage of the Sugababes brand attached. She reached the final and ultimately won the series, a testament to her enduring talent and popularity with the British public.
This victory followed a successful stint on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special in December 2023, where she scored 33/40 dancing a Viennese Waltz, further endearing her to a family audience.
Recent News: Legal Battles and Advocacy
While 2026 has been a year of professional triumph, it has also brought significant personal challenges into the public eye. In June 2025, news broke regarding a serious legal case involving Buchanan’s ex-boyfriend, Taiwo Leo Atieno.
Atieno, a former professional footballer, appeared in Harrow Crown Court charged with multiple offenses against Buchanan spanning an approximately 13-year period (2012–2015). The charges include:
- Assault: Causing actual bodily harm.
- Coercive Behaviour: Allegations include controlling her finances, dictating when she could shower or go to the gym, opening her correspondence, and preventing her from wearing red lipstick.
This case highlights the often-hidden struggles public figures face. Buchanan has maintained her dignity and resilience throughout the proceedings. The court granted Atieno conditional bail, with strict instructions not to contact Buchanan. This legal battle underscores Buchanan’s strength, not just as an artist, but as a woman seeking justice.
Keisha Buchanan’s Net Worth in 2026
Determining the exact net worth of a private figure like Buchanan is difficult, but in 2026, her financial standing is bolstered by several lucrative revenue streams. While early reports in her career varied, the 2019 reclamation of the Sugababes brand was a significant financial turning point.
Estimated Net Worth Sources:
- Touring: The Sugababes ’25 Tour and subsequent festival appearances are major income generators. Legacy acts with original lineups command high ticket prices in the UK and Europe.
- Television: Winning The Masked Singer typically comes with a substantial fee, alongside appearances on shows like The Graham Norton Show and Strictly Come Dancing.
- Royalties: As a songwriter on many of the Sugababes’ biggest hits (including One Touch tracks), Buchanan earns publishing royalties. The group’s catalog remains a staple of UK radio.
- Business Ventures: Gaining control of the Sugababes trademark allows for direct merchandise sales without splitting profits with previous management or replacement members.
While a specific 2026 figure is not publicly disclosed in financial filings, industry experts estimate successful legacy pop stars with active touring schedules and songwriting credits to hold multimillion-pound valuations.
Conclusion
Keisha Buchanan’s career arc is a masterclass in survival and reinvention. She went from a teenage star to a music industry outcast, only to fight her way back to the top on her own terms. By 2026, she has successfully reclaimed her band, her name, and her spot in the limelight with her win on The Masked Singer.
Her journey resonates because it is authentic. Whether she is harmonizing on “Overload” or standing up for herself in a court of law, Buchanan represents a figure of immense strength. As the Sugababes continue to tour and record, Keisha Buchanan remains the soulful heart of the group, proving that sometimes, you really can call the shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won The Masked Singer UK in 2026?
Keisha Buchanan won the seventh series of The Masked Singer in 2026. She performed under the guise of “Moth,” impressing the judges and public with her vocal ability.
Is Keisha Buchanan still in the Sugababes?
Yes. After being removed in 2009, she reunited with the original lineup (Mutya Buena and Siobhán Donaghy) in 2012. They reclaimed the name in 2019 and continue to perform and tour as the Sugababes in 2026.
Why did Keisha Buchanan leave the Sugababes in 2009?
Keisha was controversially ousted from the group in September 2009. She stated it was not her choice to leave. She was the last original member remaining at the time and was replaced by Jade Ewen.
What happened between Keisha Buchanan and Taiwo Leo Atieno?
In 2025, Taiwo Leo Atieno, a former footballer and Buchanan’s ex-boyfriend, was charged with assaulting her and engaging in controlling and coercive behavior between 2012 and 2015. The case involves allegations of controlling her finances and daily routine.
How many number one singles does Keisha Buchanan have?
Keisha Buchanan has achieved six UK number-one singles with the Sugababes: “Freak Like Me,” “Round Round,” “Hole in the Head,” “Push the Button,” “Walk This Way,” and “About You Now.”
Did Keisha Buchanan ever release a solo album?
Although she recorded extensive material for a solo album after her 2009 departure, rumored to include 50 tracks, it was shelved when she decided to reunite with her original bandmates to form MKS (Mutya Keisha Siobhan).
How old is Keisha Buchanan in 2026?
Born on September 30, 1984, Keisha Buchanan will turn 42 in September 2026.
What is The Lost Tapes?
The Lost Tapes is an album released by the Sugababes in late 2022. It consists of material recorded by the original lineup (MKS) that had previously gone unreleased due to label issues.
Is Keisha Buchanan religious?
Yes, Keisha Buchanan has spoken openly about her faith. She identifies as a Christian and has discussed how her faith has helped her navigate the ups and downs of the music industry.
What acts has Keisha Buchanan collaborated with?
Outside of the Sugababes, she has collaborated with artists such as Jay Sean, appeared in videos for D’banj, and performed on the Band Aid 20 charity single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”
