M.I.A. ( Mathangi " Maya " Arulpragasam ) released her debut studio album '' Arular '' in 2005 to critical acclaim . The album , inspired by her father Arul Pragasam 's involvement in the Tamil independent movement in Sri Lanka , heavily incorporates themes of conflict and revolution into dance songs . While M.I.A. wanted to work with American producer Timbaland for '' Arular '' s follow-up album '' Kala '' ( 2007 ) , her application for a long-term US work visa was rejected . This was allegedly due to her family 's connection to the Tamil guerrillas , commonly known as the Tamil Tigers , a claim M.I.A. denied . Her visa problems were also attributed to her criticism of the Sri Lankan government 's discrimination and alleged atrocities committed against the Tamils , with whom M.I.A. shares an ethnic and cultural heritage . She expressed this on her politicised album '' Arular ''
alleged atrocities
Alleged war crimes during the final stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War
Paper Planes (M.I.A. song)