M.I.A.
M.I.A.
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Mathangi Maya Arulpragasam, commonly known as M.I.A., is a British-Sri Lankan musician, singer-songwriter, and artist.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on July 18, 1975, in Hounslow, London, England. Still alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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British-Sri Lankan, Musician, Singer-Songwriter, Artist
Early Life and Background
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M.I.A. was born to a Sri Lankan Tamil family. Her father, Arul Pragasam, was a former member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), also known as the Tamil Tigers, a separatist organization in Sri Lanka. Her mother, Kala, was a nurse. M.I.A.'s family moved to London when she was three years old.
Growing up in a multicultural environment, M.I.A. was exposed to various musical styles and influences. She attended St. Mary's Catholic High School in the Borough of Ealing, where she developed an interest in music and art. After completing her secondary education, M.I.A. pursued higher studies at the Goldsmiths University of London.
Major Accomplishments
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M.I.A.'s musical career began in the early 2000s. Her debut album, Arular (2005), received critical acclaim for its innovative blend of electronic and world music elements. The album's success was followed by her second studio album, Kala (2007), which included the hit single "Paper Planes." This song gained significant attention due to its use in several films, including the Oscar-winning movie The Bourne Supremacy, as well as a notable appearance on the Grammy Awards.
M.I.A.'s subsequent albums include Maya (2010) and Matangi (2013). Her music often explores themes of social justice, politics, and personal identity. Throughout her career, M.I.A. has been recognized for her innovative approach to music production, incorporating elements from various cultures and genres.
Notable Works or Actions
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M.I.A.'s work extends beyond music. In 2008, she designed a collection of clothing for the Japanese fashion brand Comme des Garçons. She has also collaborated with artists such as Lady Gaga and Jay-Z on various projects. M.I.A. has been an outspoken advocate for social justice causes, including human rights in Sri Lanka and immigration reform.
Impact and Legacy
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M.I.A.'s influence on contemporary music is undeniable. Her experimental approach to sound has inspired a new generation of artists. Her commitment to using her platform to address pressing social issues has set a precedent for musicians as advocates.
As a pioneering female artist, M.I.A. has paved the way for women from diverse backgrounds in the music industry. Her legacy extends beyond her own work, serving as an example of artistic innovation and activism.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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M.I.A.'s quotes often reflect her strong opinions on politics, culture, and identity. She has been widely quoted for her statements on topics such as:
The impact of colonialism on global cultures
The role of music in social activism
* The complexities of identity and belonging
M.I.A.'s unique perspective and unapologetic approach to speaking truth have made her a respected voice within the music industry.
Quotes by M.I.A.
Human beings around the world have to be taught to go, 'Tamil equals Tamil civilians first, and the Tamil Tiger is a separate thing.' And both of those groups are different. It's like a square and a circle.
I remember taking my demo to every dance person in London. People were like, 'We don't know what this is!' The first people to champion me were a club in Manchester.
I never pigeonhole myself into any religion, but I feel it has found me. I am trying to make sense of it... the essence of the Mathangi concept.
In my head, I actually think my songs are pop songs. I think, 'Damn, that's a pop song!' I can practice in front of the mirror with my hairbrush for as long as I want to. But when it finally comes out, it sounds avant-garde to people.
It's interesting, because I named my first album after my dad because I wanted to find him. My second album was named after my mom because I felt like I learned all my creative talents I learned from her. All the survival stuff, too. And then the next album is 'Maya,' which is not my real name. It's fake.
Tamils all over the world have a sense of belonging to the world itself, but our ancient roots come from India. I would like to explore India. I will keep coming back. This is the closest I can get to home.
It's a bit weird, because I don't really know what people expect or think being political is; I just don't get it. What am I supposed to do as a pop star-stroke-revolutionary? Get up and put my balaclava on, go to the grocery store and then invent some Google viruses, and then go to rob a bank to fund my revolution on YouTube?
At first, I found the music I was making really hard to find a home for. I felt like my attitude was really British, but not the actual sounds I was making. Back in 2003, when I made 'Galang,' there were no clubs that had an 'anything and everything' attitude.
As an artist, you want to play around with mediums and see if you can get the point across in different way.
The theme of counterfeits, of those that produce and sell them, has always been part of the culture of M.I.A. When I was contacted by Versace, it seemed a great idea to invert the circle. Versace's designs have always been copied; now it's Versace that copies the copies, so those that copy must copy the copies. So this will continue.