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When she first emerged in the mid-2000s with albums like Arular and Kala, Maya Arulpragasam – a.k.a. M.I.A. – was hailed as the ultimate progressive pop star. Both the musical and political worlds praised her forward-thinking, global-spanning sound and pointed messages about colonialism, racism and the refugee experience.
But in recent years, her politics have taken a noticeable turn to the right, as she has defended conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and produced a clothing line that allegedly blocks 5G and other electromagnetic signals. And earlier this week, this political turn culminated in her being kicked off Kid Cudi’s Rebel Rager’s tour due to statements she made on stage concerning immigration in the U.S. during her performance.
Today on Commotion, music journalist Reanna Cruz joins host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to explain how M.I.A went from progressive to controversial artist, and how that tracks with her new album M.I.7.
WATCH | Today’s episode on YouTube:
You can listen to the full discussion from today’s show on CBC Listen or on our podcast, Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, available wherever you get your podcasts.
Interview with Renna Cruz produced by Stuart Berman.