M.I.A. is a famous British rapper, singer, and visual artist known for her politically charged dance music. She rose to global fame with her 2005 debut album Arular and the 2008 hit “Paper Planes”. Her bold fusion of hip-hop, electro, and world music has made her a true original.
In 2026, she is 51 years old. She was born Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam on July 18, 1975. Her birthplace is Hounslow, London, England. She stands approximately 5 feet 5½ inches (166.5 cm) tall. She weighs around 62 kg (136.5 lbs).
Her hit songs include “Paper Planes”, “Bad Girls”, and “Galang”. She has released five studio albums. Her latest album is MATA (2022). She runs her own label, N.E.E.T. Recordings. Her estimated net worth in 2026 is $14 million.
M.I.A. Wiki/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name / Real Name | Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam |
| Stage Name | M.I.A. |
| Date of Birth | July 18, 1975 |
| Age in 2026 | 51 years old |
| Birthplace | Hounslow, London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Rapper, singer, record producer, activist |
| Category | Singer / Music Artist |
| Education | Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design |
| Partner / Spouse | Single (not married) |
| Children | 1 son (Ikhyd Edgar Arular Bronfman) |
| Career Start | 2000 |
| Company / Label | N.E.E.T. Recordings, Interscope Records |
| Major Works | Arular, Kala, “Paper Planes”, “Bad Girls” |
| Achievements | Academy Award nomination, Grammy nomination, MBE |
| Net Worth | $14 million (estimated) |
| Primary Income Source | Music sales, touring, royalties |
| Social Media | Instagram, YouTube |
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M.I.A. Real Name
M.I.A.‘s full birth name is Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam. She is known professionally by her stage name, M.I.A.. This is an acronym that stands for “Missing in Acton“.
The name Mathangi is of Tamil origin. Her nickname Maya is more commonly used. Her stage name reflects her artistic identity. She has used this name throughout her career. Her real name appears on official documents. It is also on her songwriting credits.
M.I.A. has never hidden her real name. She embraces both identities fully. The name represents her multicultural background. It connects her to her Sri Lankan Tamil heritage. She uses her real name proudly.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam |
| Stage Name | M.I.A. |
| Name Origin | Acronym of “Missing in Acton” |
| Professional Name | M.I.A. |
M.I.A. Early Life and Education
M.I.A. was born in Hounslow, London, England. Her parents were Sri Lankan Tamil immigrants. When she was six months old, her family moved to Sri Lanka. They lived in the war-torn northern region of Jaffna. Her childhood was shaped by civil war.
She attended Holy Family Convent in Jaffna. Her family later returned to London. She attended Ricards Lodge High School in Wimbledon. She faced challenges as a refugee. She turned to art as a form of activism.
She later studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. She obtained a degree in fine art, film, and video. She started the course in 1998. She has said that college changed her life. Her education gave her a strong artistic foundation.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Hounslow, London, England |
| Early Childhood | Jaffna, Sri Lanka |
| Secondary School | Ricards Lodge High School |
| Art College | Central Saint Martins |
| Degree | Fine art, film, and video |
M.I.A. Parents and Siblings
M.I.A.‘s father was Arul Pragasam. He was an engineer, writer, and activist. Her mother was Kala Arulpragasam. Her parents were Tamil Sri Lankans.
Her father was a revolutionary figure. He was involved in the Sri Lankan civil war. This influenced her politically charged music. Her parents separated when she was young.
She has a sister named Kali Arulpragasam. Her sister is also a visual artist. She also has a brother. Her family has been a major influence. They shaped her artistic and political views.
| Family Member | Relationship | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Arul Pragasam | Father | Engineer, writer, activist |
| Kala Arulpragasam | Mother | |
| Kali Arulpragasam | Sister | Visual artist |
M.I.A. Educational Qualification
M.I.A.‘s formal education is impressive. She attended Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. This is one of the world’s leading art schools. She obtained a degree in fine art, film, and video.
She started her course in 1998. She graduated with honors. Her education gave her a strong foundation. It shaped her visual and musical style. She has called college a life-changing experience.
Her education continued beyond the classroom. She learned music production on her own. She learned from her experiences in the industry. Her artistic vision is unique. Her formal training complements her raw talent.
| Education Level | Institution | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Art College | Central Saint Martins | Degree in fine art, film, and video |
M.I.A. Before Fame
M.I.A. began her career as a visual artist. She started in 2000 as a filmmaker and designer. She worked in West London. She created art and directed music videos. Her work was innovative and bold.
She began her recording career in 2002. She released her first singles “Galang” and “Sunshowers” in 2004. They gained viral popularity online. She was one of the first artists to use the internet. This was a new way to build a fanbase.
Her early music was raw and exciting. It blended hip-hop, electro, and world music. She used her Sri Lankan heritage as inspiration. Her sound was fresh and unique. She quickly attracted attention from record labels.
| Period | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Visual artist | Filmmaker and designer |
| 2002 | Recording career | Began making music |
| 2004 | “Galang” and “Sunshowers” | Viral online success |
M.I.A. Career
M.I.A.‘s career exploded with Arular in 2005. Her debut album received widespread critical acclaim. It blended hip-hop, electro, and dancehall. It established her as a groundbreaking artist. She followed with Kala in 2007.
Kala featured the massive hit “Paper Planes“. The song was featured in the film Pineapple Express. It became a global smash. It reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100. It earned her an Academy Award nomination.
She released her third album Maya in 2010. It reached the top ten in many countries. She released Matangi in 2013. It featured the hit single “Bad Girls“. She released AIM in 2016. She released MATA in 2022.
She has been nominated for five major awards. These include the Academy Award, Grammy, Brit, Mercury Prize, and Turner Prize. She is the only artist to achieve this feat. She was awarded an MBE for services to music in 2019.
| Year | Career / Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Arular | Debut album, critical acclaim |
| 2007 | Kala | Second album, “Paper Planes” |
| 2009 | Academy Award nomination | “O… Saya” from Slumdog Millionaire |
| 2010 | Maya | Third album, top ten worldwide |
| 2013 | Matangi | Fourth album, “Bad Girls” |
| 2016 | AIM | Fifth album |
| 2019 | MBE | Awarded for services to music |
| 2022 | MATA | Sixth studio album |
M.I.A. Family
M.I.A. was raised in a politically active family. Her father was an activist. Her family moved between London and Sri Lanka. She has one sister, Kali Arulpragasam. Her sister is also a visual artist.
She has a son named Ikhyd Edgar Arular Bronfman. He was born on February 13, 2009. His father is Benjamin Bronfman. He is an environmentalist and musician. The couple were engaged but later separated.
She keeps her son out of the spotlight. She is a devoted mother. Her family remains a grounding force. Her son’s name includes “Arular”. This is the title of her debut album. It is a tribute to her father.
| Family Member | Relationship | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Kali Arulpragasam | Sister | Visual artist |
| Benjamin Bronfman | Ex-partner | Father of her son |
| Ikhyd Edgar Arular Bronfman | Son | Born February 13, 2009 |
M.I.A. Husband
M.I.A. is currently single. She has no husband. She was previously engaged to Benjamin Bronfman. He is an environmentalist and musician. They were together for several years.
She has kept her personal life private. She does not share details about her relationships. She focuses on her music and activism. Her fans respect her privacy. Her personal life stays out of the spotlight.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Single |
| Spouse | None |
| Children | 1 son |
| Ex-partner | Benjamin Bronfman |
M.I.A. Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
M.I.A. is 51 years old in 2026. She was born on July 18, 1975. Her zodiac sign is Cancer. She will turn 52 on July 18, 2026. She maintains a healthy lifestyle.
Her height is 5 feet 5½ inches (166.5 cm). Her weight is 62 kg (136.5 lbs). She has a slim and athletic build. She stays in great physical shape. She is known for her bold fashion sense.
Her hair color is black. Her eye color is brown. She has a distinctive and stylish look. Her appearance is an essential part of her brand. She is a fashion icon for many fans.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 5½ inches (166.5 cm) |
| Weight | 62 kg (136.5 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Build | Slim, athletic |
M.I.A. Social Media Presence
M.I.A. has a strong social media presence. She is active on Instagram. She shares updates about her music. She posts about her activism. She connects with her fans directly.
She also uses YouTube to share music videos. She has an official YouTube channel. She uses these platforms to promote new music. She also announces tour dates online. Her posts are authentic and bold.
She does not share too much about her personal life. She keeps her son private. Her posts are mostly professional. She promotes her albums and activism. She connects with her fans directly.
| Platform | Presence |
|---|---|
| Active | |
| YouTube | Official channel, music videos |
M.I.A. Awards and Achievements
M.I.A. is the only artist to be nominated for five major awards. These are the Academy Award, Grammy, Brit, Mercury Prize, and Turner Prize. She is also the first artist of Asian descent to be nominated for an Academy Award and Grammy in the same year.
She was nominated for a Brit Award for Best British Female Artist in 2009. She received a Grammy nomination in 2009. She received an Academy Award nomination for “O… Saya” from Slumdog Millionaire. She was awarded an MBE for services to music in 2019.
Her music has won many awards. “Paper Planes” was nominated for a Grammy. “Bad Girls” won accolades at the MTV Video Music Awards. Her achievements reflect her immense talent. She is a true pioneer.
| Category | Year(s) | Award / Recognition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academy Award | 2009 | Best Original Song | Nominated for “O… Saya” |
| Grammy Award | 2009 | Best Song Written for Visual Media | Nominated for “Paper Planes” |
| Brit Award | 2009 | Best British Female Artist | Nominated |
| Mercury Prize | 2005 | Album of the Year | Nominated for Arular |
| MBE | 2019 | Member of the Order of the British Empire | Awarded |
M.I.A. Net Worth
M.I.A.‘s net worth in 2026 is estimated at $14 million. Some sources estimate it at $6 million. The most consistent estimate is $14 million. She earned this through her music career.
Her primary income source is music. Her album sales and streaming contribute significantly. Her hit singles generate substantial royalty income. Her tours are another revenue stream. She also earns from songwriting and licensing.
She has released six studio albums. Her debut album Arular was a critical success. Her second album Kala was a commercial breakthrough. She also earns from her record label N.E.E.T. Recordings. Her net worth is expected to grow.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Music Sales | Albums and singles |
| Streaming | Royalties from streaming platforms |
| Touring | Concert tours |
| Songwriting | Royalties from writing credits |
| Record Label | N.E.E.T. Recordings |
M.I.A. Nationality and Religion
M.I.A. is British by nationality. She was born in London, England. She is also of Sri Lankan Tamil descent. Her family background is complex and multicultural. She is proud of her British and Sri Lankan roots.
Her religion is not publicly confirmed. She has not spoken about it openly. She keeps her beliefs private. She focuses on her music and activism. Her personal faith is her own matter.
She respects all beliefs and backgrounds. Her music sometimes explores spiritual themes. But she does not label herself publicly. She lets her music speak for itself. Her personal beliefs are private.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | British |
| Religion | Not publicly confirmed |
| Ethnicity | Sri Lankan Tamil |
M.I.A. Public Image
M.I.A. is known for her bold and controversial image. She is respected for her musical innovation. She is seen as a fearless artist. Her politically charged lyrics resonate with fans. She is a symbol of rebellion and resistance.
She is known for her distinctive sound. It is a fusion of hip-hop, electro, and world music. She blends political activism with dance music. This unique style sets her apart. She is a true original.
She is also known for her activism. She supports refugees and displaced people. She is vocal about the Sri Lankan civil war. She uses her platform for change. Her public image is both admired and criticized.
She is admired by fellow musicians. She is seen as a pioneering artist. Her peers hold her in high esteem. Her public image is complex and powerful.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Personality | Bold, controversial, fearless |
| Musical Style | Hip-hop, electro, world music |
| Reputation | Pioneer, activist |
| Public Perception | Talented, rebellious, influential |
M.I.A. Legacy and Impact
M.I.A.‘s impact on music is profound. She is a pioneer of genre-blending music. She fused hip-hop with world music. She brought global sounds to the mainstream. She inspired a new generation of artists.
She broke records with her career. She is the only artist nominated for five major awards. She was one of the first artists to go viral online. She has influenced pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. Her legacy is already secure.
She has released six studio albums. She has sold millions of records. She has influenced artists like Tyler, the Creator and M.I.A.. Her music continues to inspire. She is a modern legend.
She has also impacted popular culture. “Paper Planes” was a massive hit. She performed at the Grammy Awards. She has proven her versatility as an artist. Her legacy will endure for decades.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Musical Influence | Pioneer of world music fusion |
| Record Sales | Millions of albums sold |
| Cultural Impact | Viral pioneer, political activist |
| Awards Legacy | Only artist with 5 major nominations |
M.I.A. Future Plans and Goals
M.I.A. continues to work on new music. She released MATA in 2022. She is constantly creating and evolving. She may release more albums in the future. She is dedicated to her craft.
She also focuses on her activism. She fights for refugee rights. She uses her platform for change. She wants to make a difference in the world. Her future looks bright and purposeful.
She continues to perform live. She loves connecting with her fans. She may plan more tours in the future. She is dedicated to her art. Her future is full of creative possibilities.
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| Music | Working on new material |
| Activism | Continuing to fight for change |
| Touring | Future tours planned |
| Creative | Evolving as an artist |
M.I.A. Popular Songs
- “Paper Planes” – Her biggest global hit from Kala
- “Bad Girls” – A hit single from Matangi
- “Galang” – Her early viral breakthrough
- “Sunshowers” – A single from her debut era
- “Bucky Done Gun” – A fan-favorite from Arular
- “Boyz” – A popular single from Kala
- “XXXO” – A single from Maya
- “Double Bubble Trouble” – From Matangi
- “Go Off” – A collaboration with Skrillex
- “Franchise” – A collaboration with Travis Scott
M.I.A. Albums and Projects
- Arular (2005) – Her debut studio album. It received widespread critical acclaim. It blended hip-hop and electronic fusion.
- Kala (2007) – Her second studio album. It featured the massive hit “Paper Planes”.
- Maya (2010) – Her third studio album. It reached the top ten in many countries.
- Matangi (2013) – Her fourth studio album. It featured the hit single “Bad Girls”.
- AIM (2016) – Her fifth studio album.
- MATA (2022) – Her sixth studio album.
M.I.A. Songs List
- Paper Planes
- Bad Girls
- Galang
- Sunshowers
- Bucky Done Gun
- Boyz
- XXXO
- Double Bubble Trouble
- Go Off
- Franchise
- Pull up the People
- Hombre
- Bamboo Banga
- Jimmy
- Borders
- Freedun
- Final Song
- P.O.W.A.
- Visa
- The One
M.I.A. Hobbies
- Songwriting
- Producing music
- Visual art
- Filmmaking
- Activism
- Traveling
- Reading
- Listening to music
- Spending time with family
- Fashion
M.I.A. Favorite Things
- Music Genre: Hip-hop, Electro, World Music
- Instrument: Vocals
- Food: Not publicly confirmed
- Color: Not publicly confirmed
- Movie: Not publicly confirmed
- Book: Not publicly confirmed
- Artist: Not publicly confirmed
- Sport: Not publicly confirmed
M.I.A. Lesser-Known Facts
- Her stage name stands for “Missing in Acton”.
- She was a refugee from the Sri Lankan civil war.
- She studied fine art, film, and video at Central Saint Martins.
- She was one of the first artists to gain viral popularity online.
- She is the only artist to be nominated for an Oscar, Grammy, Brit, Mercury, and Turner Prize.
- She is the first artist of Asian descent to be nominated for an Oscar and Grammy in the same year.
- She was awarded an MBE for services to music in 2019.
- She has a son named Ikhyd Edgar Arular Bronfman.
- Her son’s name includes “Arular”, the title of her debut album.
- Her father was a revolutionary activist.
- She lived in Jaffna, Sri Lanka as a child.
- She was engaged to Benjamin Bronfman.
- She has a sister named Kali who is a visual artist.
- She never formally applied to Central Saint Martins but was accepted anyway.
- She started her career as a visual artist, not a musician.
- Her song “Paper Planes” was featured in the film Pineapple Express.
- She is a political activist for refugee rights.
- She has released six studio albums.
M.I.A. FAQs
Q: How old is M.I.A. in 2026?
A: She is 51 years old in 2026. She was born on July 18, 1975.
Q: What is M.I.A.’s net worth?
A: Her net worth is estimated at $14 million in 2026.
Q: What is M.I.A.’s real name?
A: Her real name is Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam.
Q: What is M.I.A.’s height?
A: She is 5 feet 5½ inches (166.5 cm) tall.
Q: Who is M.I.A.’s son?
A: Her son is Ikhyd Edgar Arular Bronfman.
Q: How many Grammy nominations has M.I.A. received?
A: She has received two Grammy nominations.
M.I.A. Conclusion
M.I.A. is a groundbreaking artist in modern music. Her journey from refugee to global star is inspiring. She was born Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam on July 18, 1975. Now at 51 years old in 2026, she remains a powerful voice. She stands 5 feet 5½ inches tall and weighs 62 kg.
Her career began in 2000 as a visual artist. She achieved fame with her 2005 debut album, Arular. She has released six studio albums. Her hits include “Paper Planes” and “Bad Girls”. She runs her own label, N.E.E.T. Recordings. Her estimated net worth is $14 million.
She is a devoted mother to her son Ikhyd. She is the only artist nominated for five major awards. Her legacy as a musician, activist, and pioneer is secure.
This mirrors the inspirational and detailed structure of the previous profiles, highlighting M.I.A.‘s journey from a refugee in Sri Lanka to a globally acclaimed music pioneer and activist.
