Two nights ago, M.I.A. performed at the Showbox. I must admit two things: first, I didn't really know her music except the singles "Bucky Done Gun" from her first album Arular, "Paper Planes" from the second one Kala (the song is also on the OST for the movie Slumdog Millionaire), and "Born Free" from her third album /\/\/\Y/\ realeased last year (actually I knew the song because of the controversy over the violent video realised by French director Romain Gavras). Ok, one song per album is fairly good.
Second, I am not a huge fan of hiphop music.
For these two reasons I could have spent a boring night. However, I was pretty excited and curious about this performance because M.I.A. is supposed to be one of the best in this domain. Moreover, she is an interesting personality. Indeed, not only is she very prolific on the artistic side (music, videos, fashion) but she is also involved in many political and social issues.
As a matter of fact, she was picked by Time as one of the most influential people of 2009.
Second, I am not a huge fan of hiphop music.
For these two reasons I could have spent a boring night. However, I was pretty excited and curious about this performance because M.I.A. is supposed to be one of the best in this domain. Moreover, she is an interesting personality. Indeed, not only is she very prolific on the artistic side (music, videos, fashion) but she is also involved in many political and social issues.
As a matter of fact, she was picked by Time as one of the most influential people of 2009.
But let's get back to the show. What else can I say other than I HAD A BLAST ?
That night, everything was good. And my buddy M. would say the same.
OK, let's start with the opener. Rye Rye is a hiphop-rap chick from Baltimore signed on M.I.A.'s label, N.E.E.T. Recordings. Even though the room was half empty when she started, she really did a good job in warming up the Showbox. I cannot really say that her music is revolutionary, because it's not. Nonetheless, her and her three dancers had everybody dancing and getting ready for M.I.A.'s performance which has been a real show for the eyes and the ears.
That night, everything was good. And my buddy M. would say the same.
OK, let's start with the opener. Rye Rye is a hiphop-rap chick from Baltimore signed on M.I.A.'s label, N.E.E.T. Recordings. Even though the room was half empty when she started, she really did a good job in warming up the Showbox. I cannot really say that her music is revolutionary, because it's not. Nonetheless, her and her three dancers had everybody dancing and getting ready for M.I.A.'s performance which has been a real show for the eyes and the ears.
A hooded M.I.A. appeared on stage in a big cloud of smoke and started dancing, shouting and stimulating the sold out crowd who came to see her.
The flashing lights and video screen on stage regulated her and her dancers (two very energic guys in the front and three girls wearing fashionable burkas in the back) on stage.
The sound was amazing, M.I.A.'s voice is perfect and the way she behaves on stage cannot prevent you from joining that crazy party happening in front of your eyes.
As a matter of fact I found myself and M. dancing harder than we had in such a long time! - we were sober; no way I'm gonna drink alcohol, I'm an UNDERAGE, don't forget.
The flashing lights and video screen on stage regulated her and her dancers (two very energic guys in the front and three girls wearing fashionable burkas in the back) on stage.
The sound was amazing, M.I.A.'s voice is perfect and the way she behaves on stage cannot prevent you from joining that crazy party happening in front of your eyes.
As a matter of fact I found myself and M. dancing harder than we had in such a long time! - we were sober; no way I'm gonna drink alcohol, I'm an UNDERAGE, don't forget.
M.I.A.'s three burka dancers
The only negative criticism I can make about that show was its length...
After about an hour and an amazing four-songs encore - among wich "Born Free" and the final "Paper Planes" where she had people from the crowd joining her on stage - the show was over.
After about an hour and an amazing four-songs encore - among wich "Born Free" and the final "Paper Planes" where she had people from the crowd joining her on stage - the show was over.
People from the audience on stage with M.I.A. for her last song
To put it in a nutshell, I really advise you to go and see M.I.A. live. I doubt you will be disappointed. She is a very good performer and her music really comes across better on stage than on record.
M.I.A., we want more!
A.C.
M.I.A., we want more!
A.C.
PS : "The amateur's point of view"
I have to confess that A.C said it all about this show. Just like her, I'm not a huge fan of hip-hop music, but I do enjoy hit songs, and the truth is that "Paper Planes" was a REAL hit. The first band's performance didn't impress me much, but the dancers did warm up the room, and when M.I.A came, it was the orgy. I had never seen the Show Box that hot! Everyone was dancing, screaming and taking pictures. Her staging was innovative, colorful, dynamic. She was close to the audience (it sounds corny, but it's true!) She jumped on some tables, threw herself into the crowd. And even if she left too early when A and I could have stayed hours dancing and enjoying the music, she left me with one envy : listening to her songs. It was definitely an amazing performance.
M.J
