M.I.A. (Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam)
Date: 2006
Region: North America
Subject: Language
Medium: Music
Artist: The rap artist M.I.A. (Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam)
Confronting Bodies: United States Immigration Officials
Dates of Action: May, 2006
Location: United States of America
Description of Artwork: M.I.A.'s rap songs often contain controversial lyrics including references to suicide bombers and to the political group, Tamil Tigers.
The Incident: M.I.A. was supposed to come to the United States to work with producer Timbaland on her upcoming album. However, the United States refused to issue M.I.A. a visa because of the nature of the lyrics on her current album. Futher MTV refuses to play her current single, Sunshower.
Results of Incident: On her website, M.I.A. stated "They tried to shut my door!," "Roger roger do you here me over the US immigration won't let me in!" M.I.A. has since been granted a visa to enter the U.S.--she sang (creating another controversy) at the 2012 Superbowl.
Source: www.spotlightingnews.com; http://washingtontimes.com