M.I.A.

Tripod, Dublin Tonight 7.30pm €38.50 0818-719300

Mathangi Arulpragasam, aka Maya, aka M.I.A., is the kind of multi-faceted, multi-talented and downright eclectic creative type who gives busy bees a good name. It's no surprise to know that she started out as a designer and visual artist in her birthplace of London, but it's some surprise that she is possibly the only pop star of note to be nominated for an Alternative Turner Prize (in 2001 for her debut exhibition of paintings that mixed political street art with images of London life), a Mercury Music Prize (in 2005 for her debut album, Arular), and an Oscar (Best Original Song in 2008 for O Saya, from the soundtrack to Slumdog Millionaire).

M.I.A. is a smart cookie, then, a political activist and no shrinking violet, her musical style as abundant as you can get, her influences ranging from The Slits and The Clash to Beastie Boys and Boney M. We like? No, we love.

Can't see that? Catch this:

Paul Weller Tues, Dublin