Mia

Mia, born Mathangi Arulpragasam, is a British-Sri Lankan rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, and activist known for her distinct blend of alternative, dance, electronic, hip hop, and world music, and her outspoken commentary on political and social issues. After receiving an ‘Alternative’ Turner Prize nomination in 2001 for her distinctive visual art, Mathangi ‘Maya’ Arulpragasam, known professionally as M.I.A., transitioned into music in 2002. M.I.A. began her career in 2000 as a visual artist, filmmaker, and designer, graduating from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design with a degree in fine art, film, and video.

Her single ‘Boyz’ also reached the Top 10 in Canada and on the Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales in 2007. In 2008, M.I.A. founded her independent multimedia label, N.E.E.T. Recordings, signing artists such as Rye Rye and Sleigh Bells.

chronicling her rise to fame and activism was released in 2018. In 2019, M.I.A. was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to music. In 2020, she launched a Patreon page, released single ‘OHMNI 202091,’ and was featured on Travis Scott’s Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping single ‘Franchise.’ M.I.A.

released her sixth studio album, Mata, in 2022, which included singles ‘The One’ and ‘Popular,’ and received an honorary award from University of the Arts London for outstanding contributions to the creative industries. She released the mixtape Bells Collection in 2023, with her single ‘Armour’ slated for 2025.