M.I.A.

Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam, better known as M.I.A. — a wordplay on her name as well as a reference to the military term "missing in action", is a British rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, visual artist, and activist. Combining elements of alternative, dance, electronic, hip hop, and world music, she is one of the most acclaimed musicians of the 21st century. 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.