Concert review/photos: MIA @ Tower Theater
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
The Sri Lankan rap goddess returns to Philly.
Despite being nearly blinded by strobes, fans couldn’t stop chanting “M.I.A., M.I.A.” in anticipation of the Sri Lankan rap goddess, while The stage glimmered with a sign saying Matangi (the name of her latest album) and mandala-like symbols. Once she emerged, M.I.A. and her three back up dancers gyrated endlessly throughout the set, but she was mostly soft-spoken between songs. No need for words; her flawless moves and vocals kept the crowd fully entranced. She even showed appreciation for the security guards, giving one a surprise grinding session. The set list called for a wide mix of old and new music, including such hits as “Bad Girls,” “Galang” and the biggest hit of the night, “Paper Planes.” As soon as that oh-so-recognizable beat began, every cell phone in the house lit up. Fans obviously wanted to cherish the song that put M.I.A. on the map and it felt like crowd was singing louder than the singer herself.
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