There are five known artists under this name:

1. Mathangi “Maya” Ar… Read Full Bio ↴There are five known artists under this name:

1. Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam also known as M.I.A., (born 18 July 1975 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 Action”] 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 previously of Las Vegas, NV punk band The Swell); and Art Carasco, vocals. Their sound was generally hardcore and thrasher, though they produced more melodic and progressive sounds in their later albums. Allmusic called the band "one of the 50 best So-Cal punk bands of the great early-'80s second wave explosion. In 1984 they signed a deal with the cult Alternative Tentacles label, after the label's founder, Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra, saw them play at a secret illegal punk nightclub in Las Vegas. Biafra was impressed by Mike Conley's distinctive voice, saying "The minute you hear a song with him singing you know it's him." They released the album Murder in a Foreign Place on Alternative Tentacles in 1984, followed in 1985 by Notes From the Underground on National Trust Records, and in 1987 by After the Fact on Flipside Records. The band split up in 1988. In 2001, Alternative Tentacles released Lost Boys, a 37-song retrospective of the band's work, including Last Rites, Murder in a Foreign Place, and several additional tracks. On February 28, 2008 vocalist Mike Conley was found dead in a Chicago hotel parking lot. Conley was taken to Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in Melrose Park, where he was pronounced dead at 6:25 a.m. On April 27, 2008, there was a secret warm-up show at Detroit Bar featuring Todd Sampson of Self Abuse and Samson's Army on vocals, Jello Biafra of Dead Kennedys on guest vocals, Chris Moon and Larry Pearson on drums, Nick Adams on guitar, and Bob Thomson on bass. The next day, the "Beautiful Noise" benefit show took place at the Anaheim House of Blues with Jigsaw, Naked Soul, Cadillac Tramps, Social Distortion and MIA with the same lineup as the previous night, but adding Kevin Seconds of 7 Seconds on guest vocals. The proceeds of "Beautiful Noise" went to Mike Conley's family.

(3) Formed in the mid 70s, Independent Musicians Associated (MIA) was a group of musicians, technicians and drawers gathered together by Lito and Liliana Vitale’s parents. They produced their own records and concerts in an independent way. Their music is a complex symphonic rock with definite Argentinean/latin folk influence with multiple chorals and vocals beautifully contrasting with the keyboards and a great guitar sound upon a strong rhythmic section. They were highly influenced by symphonic music, more noteworthy by Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Gentle Giant and Focus.

4. Merriweathers is a member of Underground Resistance under the alias of The Unknown Soldier.

5. mia's page (Michaela Grobelny).

BAMBOO GO
M.I.A. Lyrics

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Heyyyyyyyy Hey!

Blow blow (x8)

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of M.I.A.'s song BAMBOO GO incite excitement, drawing listeners into the rhythmic beat and catchy lyrics. The song talks about the resilience and strength of the bamboo plant, which has been used for centuries as a symbol of versatility and adaptability. The bamboo plant can grow in diverse environments, and its strength comes from its ability to bend instead of breaking, reminding listeners to be flexible and endure during difficult times.

Throughout the song, M.I.A. uses bamboo as a metaphor for marginalized communities standing up to oppressive forces, asserting their power and resisting assimilation. Bamboo is a symbol of resistance against colonization and assimilation, as it has been used in traditional cultures as a building material for structures ranging from houses to bridges, representing strength and the ability to survive in the face of adversity.

The song is a powerful anthem that celebrates the resilience of black and brown communities and their ability to withstand oppression and power imbalances. M.I.A. highlights the importance of being in touch with one's culture and roots to maintain a strong sense of identity, while also acknowledging the need for growth and evolution. Overall, the song is an ode to the beauty of resistance and the strength of marginalized communities.

Line by Line Meaning

Heyyyyyyyy Hey!
Greetings and salutations, my friends.

Blow blow (x8)
Exhale forcefully and repeatedly, as a sign of strength and power.

Contributed by Bailey S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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TRACKS