Photo: Lia Toby/WENN
In a time when cultural appropriation crosses the thin line of offensive all the time, it’s refreshing to have an artist like M.I.A.
The 39-year-old premiered her documentary-style music video on Apple Music that gives a glimpse inside West India’s largest martial-arts school and Cote d’Ivoire. Titled “Matahdatah Scroll 01 ‘Broader Than A Border’” the video is the first of many filmed throughout the globe. It combines two song “Swords,” off M.I.A.’s upcoming album, Matahdatah, and “Warriors,” from her 2013 album Matangi.
As noted by Stereogum, the video of the African dancer may have been why M.I.A. was blocked by her label due to concerns over “cultural appropriation.”
The first half features young girls showing off their fierce sword skills in a series of routines and competitive gatherings. The second half shows a warrior in routine, moving to her music. Directed by M.I.A. herself, it captures a unique element to both countries.
In a press release, M.I.A. talks about the video concept and what’s to come:
I directed and edited my first music video for “Warriors” for my last album, MATANGI, and I held it back until now, because it inspired me to make a whole series of songs and videos on the concept of borders. Making songs and videos at the same time out of a suitcase on location is something I did on my album KALA, but it’s video, as well as music, made by me in a very ARULAR way.
My new song “Swords” was filmed in a Temple in India and we recorded the clang of the metal to make the beat at the same time as shooting these incredible girls. There’s ten more of these countries coming and I haven’t chased where to go yet, so who knows where this project will take me. “Warriors” was shot in Cote d’Ivoire with a guy I saw in a youtube video doing the most incredible dancing. I tracked down that exact guy, flew out there and played him the “Warriors” track. He did his thing for me. He is a spiritual warrior and communicates through dancing. It’s a lifelong commitment for him to be the designated spiritual body that channels that dance.
Less talking, more watching. See MIA’s “Matahdatah Scroll 01 ‘Broader Than A Border’” below and let us know your thoughts by going here.
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