M.I.A. brought a volatile, improvisational performance to São Paulo’s Cine Joia on Monday, mixing songs from across her career with political remarks and direct exchanges with the crowd. More than halfway through the show, she handed a microphone to the audience and invited people to speak, prompting comments about Brazilian politics, a taunt directed at Donald Trump and chants of Lula’s campaign jingle.
The performance came amid the contradictions that have marked the artist’s career. At a U.S. show in May, opening for Kid Cudi, she said she had not expected to be “cancelled” for being a Republican, then drew boos after saying that half her team was absent because its members were undocumented. In São Paulo, “Illygirl” opened the set.
M.I.A. arrived 45 minutes late to a crowd already showing its frustration. Projected warnings told attendees to watch at their own risk, and a tense, unconventional introductory video preceded her entrance. Once onstage, she quickly demonstrated the musical instincts that have sustained her reputation, shaping a wide range of sounds with a distinctive style.
“Bucky Done Gun” retained its punch, while “XR2” and “Bring the Noize” showcased her rapid flow across political rap and grime. “Galang” also remained a highlight, bringing its portrait of life in London’s multicultural communities to the live setting. With her full equipment unavailable, M.I.A. made the audience interaction part of the performance, at times singing from among the crowd on a roadie’s shoulders.
The set included less frequently played tracks such as “Sunshowers,” performed a cappella, and “Come Walk With Me.” Before “Born Free,” she said “Deus é Fiel” (“God is faithful”) in Portuguese, then ran through the audience as distorted synthesizers drove the song. Introducing “Bad Girls,” she spoke about reaching 51 without giving in to the demands of the beauty industry, before making a remark about women’s bodies.
M.I.A. called for the audience to make noise for Gaza before performing “Borders.” Lula chants continued near the end of the show, and she urged the crowd to love him as they loved her, adding that “2030 will arrive with Lula.” The comment was followed by silence, leaving the evening’s closing political message as open to interpretation as much of the performance.
Sources: Folha Ilustrada.