Mathangi Arulpragasam, known as Maya and professionally as MIA, is a British singer, rapper, songwriter, producer, and activist. Born in London to Sri Lankan Tamil parents, she spent part of her childhood in Jaffna before her family returned to London as refugees due to the Sri Lankan Civil War, an experience that greatly influenced her music and activism. MIA began her artistic career as a visual artist and filmmaker before turning to music in the early 2000s. Gaining attention with the singles Sunshowers and Galang, she quickly became known for her unique blend of alternative, hip hop, electronic, dance, and world music, incorporating global influences and outspoken lyrics. Her albums Arular and Kala received critical acclaim, with the single Paper Planes reaching the top of international charts and earning a Grammy nomination. Subsequent albums, including Maya, Matangi, AIM, and Mata, expanded her sound and influence, with tracks like Bad Girls and collaborations such as Franchise with Travis Scott and Young Thug. MIA has been recognized with awards from ASCAP and MTV, and made history as the first South Asian artist to be nominated for both an Academy Award and a Grammy in the same year. She has been celebrated by Rolling Stone, Time, Esquire, and Billboard as one of the most influential artists of her generation. In 2019, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to music.