amatrex
New User
Joined: 14 Apr 2008
{Posts: 48 }
Location: Pennsylvania
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 Posted: Mon 04 Aug 2008 17:13 Post subject: Mathangi Maya Arulpragasam aka M.I.A. |
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M.I.A.
Singer / Pop Musician
Born: July 17, 1977
Birthplace: London, England
Best known as: Singer of the dance hit "Galang"
Name at birth: Mathangi Maya Arulpragasam
M.I.A. is the performing name of Maya Arulpragasam, an artist and singer known for the dancehall hits "Galang" and "Sunshowers." Arulpragasam grew up in Sri Lanka in a family that was among the Tamil minority. Political upheaval spurred her mother to apply for refugee status in Britain, and in 1986 the family moved to London. Arulpragasam studied film at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and began her career as a documentary maker. After discovering the joys of a drum machine, she began writing her own songs and distributing mix-tapes and singles on her own. A blend of hip-hop and reggae rhythms with politicized lyrics, her singles "Galang" and "Sunshowers" became dancehall and DJ favorites in 2003 and 2004. Music videos and word of mouth helped boost the anticipation of her first album, Arular, released internationally in 2005.
DISCOGRAPHY
2005: Arular
2007: Kala
2009: TBA
"Paper Planes" is the third single from M.I.A.'s second album Kala. It is written by Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam, Diplo, Joe Strummer and Mick Jones. The song was released on February 11, 2008.
"Paper Planes" concerns M.I.A.'s problems with visas and certain perceptions of immigrants. It features a guitar riff sample from the song "Straight to Hell" by The Clash. The song placed number 17 on the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2007. "Paper Planes" is played in the theatrical trailer for the upcoming film Pineapple Express starring Seth Rogen and James Franco. The song has been covered in live performances by the band Panda Riot, and by the singer Rihanna. The song has also been covered as the song "Tengazako" by Esau Mwamwaya. After all the success from Itunes, the song has been picking up on pop airplay and can be heard regularly on the popular New York station, WHTZ. |
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