M.I.A. Says Questions Of “Cultural Appropriation” Have Held Up New Video

“I’ve been told I can’t put out a video because it’s shot in Africa,” she says.

By Elias Leight

May 19, 2015

M.I.A. took to Twitter yesterday to critique an unnamed somebody—perhaps her label?—who she claims is preventing her from releasing a new video that was filmed Africa's Ivory Coast. The given reason? Concerns that it will be met by cries of "cultural appropriation."

I wanna talk about clutrural appropriation! I've been told I can't put out a video because it's shot in Africa. Discuss
— M.I.A (@MIAuniverse) May 18, 2015

What happens when I shoot videos in America or Germany it makes no sense to the 00.01% of artists like me.
— M.I.A (@MIAuniverse) May 18, 2015

The video is 1 take shot of a dancer ! The best in the wide world! And he wasn't ever gonna make "_____got talent"
— M.I.A (@MIAuniverse) May 18, 2015

If the music industry allows an African artist to come through this year on intnl level, I would gladly give him this video for free.
— M.I.A (@MIAuniverse) May 18, 2015

M.I.A.'s videos have been the cause of controversy before: her violent "Born Free" clip caused a stir when it was released back in 2010. It seems like this is a lose-lose situation for the label though. If M.I.A. wants to put out the video, she'll probably figure out a way to do so.

Read FADER's interview with the singer here.

Lead Image: Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images

Electronic, Hip-Hop, Pop

M.I.A. Says Questions Of “Cultural Appropriation” Have Held Up New Video

“I’ve been told I can’t put out a video because it’s shot in Africa,” she says.

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