M.I.A.

Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam, known by her stage name M.I.A., is a British rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, visual artist, and activist. Combining elements of alternative, dance, electronic, hip hop, and world music, her early compositions relied heavily on the Roland MC-505 music sequencer and drum machine, whilst her later work marked an evolution in her sound with rare instruments, electronics, and unusual sound samples. M.I.A.'s music lyrically incorporates a range of political, social, philosophical and cultural references. M.I.A. has embarked on five global headlining tours and is the founder of her own multimedia label, N.E.E.T.