Paper Planes to Political Statements: Inside the Mind of M.I.A.

On the vibrant tapestry of the global music scene, few contemporary South Asian artists have made as remarkable a mark as Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam, better known as M.I.A., an acronym for Missing in Action, a name she took after her cousin who went missing in action in Sri Lanka. The British singer, whose music blends hip-hop, electronica, pop, dance, and South Asian influences, has over the last two decades woven a disparate thread of politics and art into a body of work that ranks her among the most modern-day greats.

With global hits like “Paper Planes,”  “Bad Girls,” “Time Traveller,” and “Come Around,” she is the only artist in history to be nominated for the big five awards—the Academy Award, Grammy Award, Brit Award, Mercury Prize, and the Alternative Turner Prize—and one of the few people to be nominated for both a Grammy and an Oscar Award in the same year, the latter for her O… Saya, her collaboration with A R Rahman. Even before her music awards, she was already a recipient of the Alternative Turner Prize for her work as a painter and graffiti artist. In fact, her first performance in India a decade ago was when she exhibited her art at the inaugural Kochi-Muziris Biennale in 2012. Besides this, she is also a successful designer, photographer, and documentary filmmaker. And above all, of course, is her social activism, which has ranged from her work on behalf of the Sri Lankan Tamils to Julian Assange and many others.

Born in London to Sri Lankan-Tamil parents, M.I.A.’s life journey is a testament to the power of cultural fusion. Raised against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan Civil War, her family’s activism and political consciousness would later become a driving force in her music. Forced to flee Sri Lanka due to political turmoil, the Arulpragasam family found themselves navigating the cultural melting pot of South London, where a young girl absorbed the eclectic sounds of the city’s streets.

M.I.A.’s artistic journey began in the world of the visual arts. After studying film at London’s prestigious Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, she dabbled in graphic design and filmmaking. These early experiences would prove crucial in shaping the visual aesthetics that would become synonymous with her musical output. Drawing inspiration from street art, political propaganda, and the raw energy of the London underground scene, the “Paper Planes” hitmaker honed a style that was as visually arresting as it was politically charged.

In 2005, M.I.A. burst onto the music scene with her debut album, Arular. Named after her father, who was a political activist, the album was a sonic grenade that exploded preconceived notions of what mainstream music could be. Fusing elements of hip-hop, dancehall, electronic, and traditional South Asian sounds, the 48-year-old created a genre-defying sound that resonated across the globe. The album’s standout tracks, including “Galang” and “Bucky Done Gun,” showcased her ability to craft infectious beats while delivering incisive social commentary.

M.I.A.’s mainstream breakthrough came with the 2008 release of “Paper Planes,” a song that not only became a global chart-topper but also a cultural phenomenon. With its gunshot sounds, catchy chorus, and subversive lyrics, the track became an anthem for a generation. The success of “Paper Planes” earned the singer a Grammy nomination and solidified her status as a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of hip-hop.

M.I.A.’s art is inseparable from her activism, and she has never shied away from using her platform to address pressing social and political issues. Her outspoken stance on topics such as immigration, human rights, and the Tamil struggle has, at times, courted controversy.

As M.I.A. continued to evolve as an artist, her subsequent albums, Matangi (2013) and AIM (2016), showcased a maturation of both sound and message. The albums delved into themes of identity, globalization, and the intersection of personal and political narratives. While retaining her signature sonic eclecticism, M.I.A. explored new sonic landscapes, incorporating elements of trap, reggae, and world music.

The “Bad Girls” singer’s impact extends far beyond the music industry. Her fearless approach to tackling societal issues through art, combined with her genre-defying sound, has paved the way for a new generation of artists unafraid to challenge the status quo. From her early days as a visual artist in London to her status as a global cultural force, M.I.A. remains a testament to the power of artistic expression as a catalyst for change. She will continue to be a guiding light for those who believe in the transformative power of music and the unapologetic voice of the artist.

M.I.A. will headline the upcoming 14th edition of the music festival Bacardí NH7 Weekender this weekend at Teerth Fields in Pune. Ahead of her performance, Rolling Stone India caught up with M.I.A. and talked to her about her upcoming India set, her smash hit “Paper Planes,” her proudest moment as an artist, and more. Read below.

What is the aspect of your upcoming trip to India that excites you the most?

Getting on a different frequency

You’ve been to India multiple times; do you ever have expectations when you visit?

I’ve been [to India] many times. I filmed a lot of my videos here. I genuinely don’t like having too many expectations because someone will always teach you something new, and that’s what’s cool about it.

Are you planning on collaborating with or making music with any Indian artist?

Yes. I love working with Indian artists across many disciplines. Music, visuals, dance, fashion, tech, whatever it is, It’s always been my ethos to work with and pay respect to some of the greats and legends here, like A.R. [Rahman] but I also try working with up-and-coming artists too.

“Paper Planes” is an absolute hit in India; how do you feel about that?

I’m grateful Rolling Stone ranked it as the number-two song of the century, which is huge. The song has a life of its own, and it’s always shocking to me because everything happened very organically, even the writing of it. Just me and Diplo in our apartment.

Which is the one project you’re most proud of?

Well, it will always be Arular because that was my first album, and it changed my life, the type of music people heard, cured my trauma, paid my rent, put me and so many other voiceless people on the map, and changed the game.

If you were left alone on an island with just one song, which one would it be?

Wow, I feel like I did this as an experiment once. Maybe a Bombay Jayashri Bhajan, so I can be in a meditative mood alone. Or something with good drums that gives me energy and gets me up to build a boat to find civilization, or something.

What are some of the current world issues that you’ve been recently following? Any thoughts you’d like to share with the world?

The current state of affairs is very divisive and encourages people to draw lines and hate people. I stay away from it. The message is unity, and I know it’s hard; it’s easier said than done, but there is way too much disagreement. Everyone thinks they are right. Unity.

Have you tuned into any Indian music recently? Do you have any favorites?

I’m trying to stay tuned. I recently visited the competition scene in West Bengal, and I like all the Baile Funk-influenced rap music in the south. Ro AttiCulture and Paal Dabba, and songs like ‘Malabari Banager’ feel new, like when I first started making music.

Which is the one thing about the Bacardi NH7 Weekender that you are most excited for?

It’s my first real show in the whole of India, and I’m so excited. I have no idea what to expect. Each show is different now; I don’t have a routine show, and I can’t wait to see what manifests in India. 

What can we expect from your set at the event?

I’m extremely lucky that, as a South Asian person or not, I have been able to become an artist and express myself without having to compromise myself. I was able to make up the rules, and I hope this inspires the newer generations here.

A message for your fans from India?

Be ready.