Date of Birth: July 18, 1975
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: *Date of Death not applicable as M.I.A. is still alive.*
Biography
Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam, known by her stage name M.I.A., is a British rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born in London to Sri Lankan Tamil parents, she spent part of her childhood in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, during the Sri Lankan Civil War. Returning to the UK as a refugee, M.I.A. attended the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, where she initially focused on visual art and filmmaking. M.I.A. first gained prominence in 2004 with her debut album “Arular,” which showcased her eclectic blend of hip-hop, electronic, and world music influences. Her follow-up album, “Kala,” released in 2007, included the international hit “Paper Planes,” which significantly boosted her global profile. Known for her politically charged lyrics and innovative sound, M.I.A. has received multiple awards and nominations, including Grammy and Academy Award nominations. Her music often addresses themes of immigration, war, and global capitalism, reflecting her own experiences and worldview. Beyond music, M.I.A. has been an outspoken activist and has engaged in various humanitarian efforts, particularly focused on refugees and displaced peoples.
5 Interesting Facts about M.I.A.
1. M.I.A.’s stage name stands for “Missing in Action.”
2. She was included in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2009.
3. Her song “Paper Planes” was featured in the film “Slumdog Millionaire” and was also nominated for a Grammy Award.
4. M.I.A. directed the music video for her song “Born Free,” which was controversial and widely discussed for its graphic depiction of violence.
5. She has collaborated with numerous high-profile artists, including Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Madonna.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from M.I.A.
1. “I don’t want to be political. I just want to be human.”
2. “They can have my body, but they can’t have my mind.”
3. “You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless they have their freedom.”
4. “I really want to work with kids because they are the future.”
5. “I was an outsider before I was an insider.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
M.I.A. achieved a peak net worth of approximately $14 million.
Children
M.I.A. has one son named Ikhyd Edgar Arular Bronfman, born on February 13, 2009, with her former partner Benjamin Bronfman.
Relevant Links
1. [M.I.A.’s Official Website](http://www.miauk.com/
2. [M.I.A. on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/miamatangi/
3. [M.I.A. on Twitter](https://twitter.com/MIAuniverse
4. [M.I.A.’s Discography on AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mia-mn0000251497/discography
5. [M.I.A.’s Biography on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1915249/bio
