Popular rapper M.I.A. revealed on a podcast this week her newfound faith in Jesus Christ.
While on Zane Lowe’s podcast on Apple Music 1, Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam revealed and confirmed she is indeed a “born-again Christian.”
She shared that her life has been turned upside down and it’s given her a new perspective on life since having a vision of Christ.
“I had a vision and I saw the vision of Jesus Christ. It’s very, creatively, it’s a very crazy thing because it turned my world upside down. Because everything I thought and believed was no longer the case. And I think that was maybe a sign that something major was going to happen in the world and that people were needing to be introduced to this concept.”
Not a ‘Popular’ Decision
She admitted her decision to follow Jesus may not be popular, but she has counted the cost and understands some of her fans may turn against her.
“If I’m coming back now saying ‘Jesus is real,’ there’s a point, all of my fans might turn against me because they are all progressives who hate people that believe in Jesus Christ in this country.”
Lowe then clarified, asking M.I.A. if she is a “born-again Christian now.” M.I.A. responded, “Yes, I am. I am. I’m not going to lie. Then when I had this vision, it turned my world upside down. The history is, even if it costs me my career, I won’t lie. I will tell the truth, and I will tell you what’s on my mind and my heart. If I’m coming back now saying Jesus is real, there’s a point. Basically all of my fans might turn against me.”
Born Into a Hindu Family
M.I.A. was born in London to Sri Lankan Tamil parents and raised as a Hindu. She has sparked controversy throughout her career advocating for justice, Sri Lanka, refugees, and Palestinians living in Israel. At one point her access in and out of the US was restricted after her views and progressive ideas were so strong and outspoken.
It seems now she is on a new path and that of peace yet her music style and tools remain the same.
“I think that’s why 50% of the record is sort of like that. Because I’m still me. That’s still my language. And those are still my tools to be able to create beats like that or a sound like that. But I think the message was just to get to a peaceful place.”
