M. I. A. 's Artistic Experimentation: A Journey Through Global Beats and Activism M. I. A. 's music is a reflection of her eclectic tastes and experiences as a Sri Lankan Tamil in London.
Before she burst onto the global scene with "Arular" in 2005, Maya Arulpragasam had absorbed influences from dancehall, grime, indie rock, and world music.
Her musical roots were nurtured by traditional ceylonese folk music her parents played at home, as well as the urban street culture of London's diverse neighborhoods.