Image by Marzena Abrahamik
A pre-Thanksgiving “Bamboo Banga”
M.I.A.’s energetic and brassy hits welcomed a crowd of the same vein
By Britt Julious
Published: November 25th, 2007 | 12:05am
Nov. 21, 2007, in Chicago — Most of M.I.A.'s fans, like the superstar herself, are as unpredictable and interesting as one could imagine. The audience's anticipation grew as local faves the Cool Kids opened the show at the House of Blues on Thanksgiving Eve, now deemed the biggest party night of the year. Many individuals were familiar with the duo's infamous first singles “88” and “I Rock,” combining fresh beats with a hint of '80s nostalgia that welcomes hip-hop fans who have just begun downloading mp3s and collecting LPs and those who have been there from its roots.
However, anger and frustration flared as the crowd grew anxious for the arrival of Sri Lankan rapper/singer Maya Arulpragasam, better known as M.I.A. Concertgoers began pushing their way to the front of the stage after the Cool Kids’ show, to the ire of those around them. A subtitled video of a Japanese man stating his desire to overthrow the government made the arguments and shoving from the audience temporarily subside and prepped for the eclectic dance party that would brew throughout the night.
The loud, roaring opening of “Bamboo Banga,” “World Town,” and “XR2” created a mass frenzy for the fans who simply wanted to dance. As M.I.A., with her two accompanying rappers and DJ, performed to true form. In a glittery ensemble only a bona fide star could pull off, with a projected video screen of images from music videos, child soldiers and herself playing the drums and guitar, the show that many had wished for was delivered. A rapturous combination of songs from Arular (XL/Beggars) and her latest, Kala (Interscope), were occasionally mixed with the electronic melodies and bass-heavy beats of groups like New Order and teenage rapper Lil’ Mama.
Unfortunately, the audience's actions often overshadowed the star. As the chorus of “20 Dollar,” which uses the same classic lyrics and music of the Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind?” played and most of the audience sang along, arguments occurred on the dance floor as fans lost their cool. Add a steady flow of alcohol and problems erupted left and right. During “Bird Flu,” the first single off of Kala, fans were allowed to rush the stage with the help of the overly stern security guards. Although I began my night toward the middle of the audience, I eventually wound up at the front of the stage, pushed by eager 20-somethings. As one girl began pulling on the metal chain of my purse wrapped around my neck and nearly choking me, I found myself sticking to the action on the main floor. During “Boyz,” a girl nearby punched a guy in the arm and head for a minute or so, with most concertgoers so cramped that they couldn’t intervene. In fact, as M.I.A. closed the first part of the show with her hit “Galang” and a group of bloodthirsty girls left the front area after biting, pulling and clawing their way on stage, one tried to start a fight with my friend.
Even though these incidents could have spoiled the night, most of the crowd on the main floor left covered in sweat, proud to have been among so many people infatuated with the same show-stopper. It was a night of dancing and screaming and making new friends, despite certain strangers' actions. And although I left with a headache after unknowingly accepting the receiving end of a punch, I still got to sing into the mic and brush hands with who my friend calls “the coolest person ever.” Try as they might, a bad crowd can’t ruin a fantastic artist.
Comments
Please login to be able to comment on this article.
Cat Hour (8 months)
For some reason, M.I.A. fans are more aggressive than your average hipsters! The up-stage crowd at the Minneapolis show near busted into riot at the slightest push of an eager fan squeezing in. Must be all the sticks and stones and weed and bombs...
BrittanyJulious (8 months)
Yep. I was really surprised by the aggression. It's good to know Chicago's not the only place though.
LauraLeebove (8 months)
Yeah! I saw her Saturday in Detroit and the crowd wasn't quite as violent, but there were some jerks in there … not cool.
more