M.I.A.

There are three known artists under this name:

(1) Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam, a British alternative dance musician and graphic artist of Tamil descent.
(2) An 80's American punk band
(3) An Argentinian progressive folk collective

Not to be confused with:
mia - Michaela Grobelny, German minimal techno/electronic producer
MIA. - German electronica group

(1) Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam, (born 17 July 1977 in Hounslow, London, U.K.) is a British artist of Sri Lankan descent. As a baby she moved with her family to their native Sri Lanka, where her father became increasingly politically active in militant activities. As the Civil War escalated the rest of the family was forced to flee as refugees, first to India and then the UK. "M.I.A." ["Missing In Acton"] references both her London neighborhood (Acton) and her politically tumultuous youth.

Her style contains elements of hip-hop, reggae, alternative, dance hall, electro and baile funk and is strongly inspired by her Sri Lankan background.

(2) American Punk/Hardcore band formed in Orange County, CA in 1981 by Chris Moon, drums; Mike Conley, bass; Nick Adams, guitar (all pre...