M.I.A., is an English artist, and songwriter. The moniker "M.I.A." is both a play on her own name and a reference to the abbreviation for Missing in Action. Her music combine elements of electronic, dance, alternative, hip hop and world music. M.I.A. began her career in 2000 as a visual artist, filmmaker and designer in West London before beginning her recording career in 2002. Since rising to prominence in early 2004 for her singles "Sunshowers" and "Galang", she has been nominated for an Academy Award, two Grammy Awards and the Mercury Prize
