Maya Arulpragasam was born July 17, 1977, an artist and singer known as MIA a British songwriter, record producer, and vocalist. Her music ranges from various genres and lyrics voice politics, social realism and humour. She first made a name for herself in 2002. A blend of hip-hop and reggae rhythms with politicized lyrics, her singles "Galang" and "Sunshowers" became dancehall and DJ favorites in 2003 and 2004 through standard internet ingestion. Her Debut album, Arular, followed in 2005. This album was nominated for the Mercury Prize. Her second album was entitled, Kala, which was later released in 2007. This talented artist grew up in Sri Lanka in a family that was among the Tamil minority. In 1986 her and her family moved to London. MIA studied Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design and began her career as a documentary maker. After discovering the joys of a drum machine, she began writing her own songs and distributing mix-tapes and singles on her own. Music videos and word of mouth helped boost self moral and accompanied well rounded listening audience.