- Mama (Daughter) MIA!
- August 18, 2008 Filed under: Arts & Culture, Human Rights, People, Politics, Public Figures
Photo by dabdiputs.
I have somewhat of a musical history. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no pro but I gave it a shot when I was younger, playing in a band that did pretty well considering. Our band opened for some decent acts in trendy art houses in the San Francisco Bay Area, recorded albums (vinyl!), and got some regular radio play. Every once in a while, I’ll still catch a flashback tune of ours on some local US college radio station. We didn’t make the “big time,” or even really make the “small time,” but those days have helped give me perspective into a small portion of the in-and-outs that make the enormous music industry, the RIAA, the independents, and so on.
How might this relate to Sri Lanka? Well, I’ve been slowly considering ways to create an audio compilation of tracks to sell in order to support some of our projects in Sri Lanka. Actually, “considering” recently got a tad more serious and I’ve been lucky enough to receive a couple of track donations to support the project. These donations aren’t from nearby garage bands that put on the occasional open door concert, but from really, really respectable artists. (And I sincerely appreciate their willingness to support Sri Lankan projects at a difficult time.)
An audio CD is a bit like a novel. Although sadly I have a tendency to focus on the music and not the words, music is about the complete package. So I was surprised by the timing of all the action about M.I.A. in the past couple of weeks, because I was looking into whether or not her work would be vital to include. I know about some of the controversy and anger she inspires. I know M.I.A is the daughter of a former LTTE terrorist, but a video by what this blog calls “The First Sinahlese Buddhist Patriotic Rapper” gave me pause.
Here’s the video (NSFW/language), which directly confronts M.I.A on her (potential? alleged? supposed?) support for Tamil Tiger suicide bombings.
But, my Sri Lankan friends, I have some questions (and I am in no way suggesting my own feelings in the process of asking):
–Is M.I.A. really, in your opinion, endorsing typical LTTE violence or is she telling a different kind of story thru her music? Both?
–In light of freedom of press and speech issues currently dominating country news (think Mervin…), where do you think the appropriate line is for artists addressing or even venting their opinions?
–Would her music prove a worthwhile addition to an audio music CD, however controversial?
–Let’s ignore for a moment that non-profit/charity-related CDs have become somewhat of a cliche. Which musicians (no matter their location in the world) would prove vital in your opinion to an audio CD? Which do you listen to? Which has struck you for some of their lyrics or content?
Feel free to comment below or, if you prefer, send a less “public” email to info@p2prescue.org.
Thanks for your opinions–they’ll certainly prove educating.
Sean
August 18th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
My issue with people like MIA and Delon is that both are just using the conflict for self promotion. If MIA had anything intelligent to say about the conflict why when she is confronted with a question about her politics does she duck out? Besides her lyrics are full of violence and drug use…not constructive in the context of the SL conflict.
December 25th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Its true she sings about drugs rape and of course violence, but for the majority of Tamils that are suffering in the North of Sri Lanka she amplifies an unspoken truth. She has not necessarily inflicted violence. She merely comments on the corruption and violence our country is suffering. She may support the LTTE, or imply support but she merely wants a peaceful home and an equal proportion of respect to the tamils as that whish is given to the Sinhalese.. It takes no rocket scientist to figure out that in every country the population needs to unite and the people must learn to respect one another, leaving aside caste and creed. Honestly haven’t both the Sinhalese and Tamils suffered enough don’t we need to unite as one, as Sri Lankans???? Thats what i believe is the underlying motive MIA is trying to seep through! Promoting a safer future for all Sri Lankans, with no war, more peace and prosperity.
December 25th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
PS: Delon its the 21st century, its a matter of time before aliens visit us.. and flying to the moon will be like driving to Nuwaraeliys.. People have evolved become mature and aware that all men are alike as long as they’ve got a heart beat and blood flowing through their veins. Its the contemporary generation thats got to set the record straight despite culture creed and colour.. Its a short life so make life worth living and give as much as you’ve got! We are all Sri Lankans after all!