With such an original sound and style, artists such as Maya Arulpragasam probably have a deep and triumphant story to tell - This is the case in question. Fleeing with her family in the mid-80s from Sri Lanka and the Sinhala-Tamil conflict, MIA quickly adapted to her new found freedom and surroundings. The world embraced the artist as a melting-pot prodigy and XL Recordings came calling.
MIA's 'Arular' release showcases the artist's uncanny South-Caribbean/South-Asian musical influence. Fusing UK-Garage/Electro & Dancehall Percussion Breaks with a Jamaican Ragga vocal delivery, the young artist creates a sharp tone reminiscent of the hottest of any Timbaland productions. Booming Dancehall anthem tracks such as 'Fire Fire,' 'Galang,' and 'Hombre' pound the sub-bass cabinets just as hard as any traditional Ragga release, but give a different feel and nuance to the music as a whole. And the battering Dancefloor breaks sounds of '10$' and 'Pull up the People' will move any dancefloor to an utter frenzy.
Spin Magazine's 'Artist of the Year' in 2005, MIA will no-doubt be a presence in 2006 and beyond. Be sure to visit www.miauk.com for more information on this bright new artist.
