M.I.A.

Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam, known by her stage name M.I.A., is a British rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and activist. Born in London to Sri Lankan Tamil parents, she moved to Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka at six months old. Her childhood was shaped by the Sri Lankan Civil War, which led to her family returning to London as refugees when she was 11. This experience has been a defining influence on her politically charged music and art. She initially pursued a career as a visual artist and filmmaker after graduating from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in 2000, before venturing into music in 2002.

Career Breakthrough

M.I.A. gained attention through the internet with her early singles "Galang" and "Sunshowers" in 2004. Her debut album, Arular (2005), named after her father's political code name, received critical acclaim for its unique blend of hip hop, electroclash, and world music. The album was created using a Roland MC-505 sequencer and drum machine and addressed themes of conflict and revolution. It was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and recognized as one of the best albums of the year.

Major Works

Her second album, Kala (2007), named in honor of her mother, was recorded in various countries due to visa issues preventing her from entering the US. The album featured collaborations with producers like Switch and Diplo and explored themes of Third World life. It included the hit single "Paper Planes," which achieved significant international success, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination. The song's lyrics satirize American perceptions of immigrants.

Her third album, Maya (stylized as /\/\/\Y/\), was released in 2010. This album incorporated industrial sounds and focused on themes of information politics. It became her highest-charting album in the UK and US at the time, debuting at number 21 and number 9, respectively. The controversial music video for the song "Born Free" garnered significant media attention.

Matangi, her fourth album, was released in 2013 after delays and disputes with her label, Interscope. The album's title references the Hindu goddess Matangi and featured the popular single "Bad Girls." Her fifth studio album, AIM, was released in 2016 and featured collaborations with artists like Skrillex and Zayn Malik, focusing on themes of borders and refugees. M.I.A.'s sixth album, Mata, was released in 2022.

Artistry and Activism

M.I.A.'s music is known for its eclectic mix of genres, including alternative, dance, electronic, hip hop, and world music. She is recognized for her politically charged lyrics and philosophical commentary. A vocal activist, she has used her platform to raise awareness about the oppression of Sri Lankan Tamils, Palestinians, and African Americans, which has led to both praise and criticism. She has also been involved in humanitarian efforts, including supporting missions to aid victims of the war in Sri Lanka and funding a school in Liberia.