Who: M.I.A.
What: Matangi
Where: London, England via Acton, west London, via Phipps Bridge Estate, Mitcham, south London via Madras, India via Jaffna, northern Sri Lanka via Hounslow, West London, England
Why: M. I. A. is a British rapper whose music combines elements of alternative, dance, electronic, hip hop and world music through electronic manipulation and samples.
Her longtime collaborator Switch, known for his work with Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Chaka Khan, Santigold and Brandy, primarily handled production for her fourth studio album Matangi. The album title is a variant of M.I.A.’s real first name, Mathangi, and references the Hindu goddess Matangi. Interestingly, M.I.A.s first two studio albums were named after her Father (Arular) and Mother (Kala) respectively.
Throughout the near hour long album, M.I.A. channels the Hindu goddess considered to be the Tantric form of Saraswati, the goddess of music and learning. The goddess is believed to govern speech, music, knowledge and the arts. Her worship is prescribed to acquire supernatural powers, especially gaining control over one’s enemies, attracting people to oneself, acquiring mastery over the arts and gaining supreme knowledge.
The album’s lyrics feature themes particularly related to Hinduism including reincarnation and karma with a blend of Western and Eastern music styles
When: 2013