Although most music fans enjoyed “jamming” to the special onstage Bob Marley tribute at the 2013 Grammy Awards, one musician is definitely not impressed—and is ready to “get up, stand up” for her rights.
Controversial rapper/dance star M.I.A.—who is perhaps best-known for flashing her middle finger during Madonna’s 2012 Super Bowl halftime performance--is convinced that the Grammys ripped off the set design for the tribute from her own stage show, and she’s making sure people are aware of it.
Want to see for yourselves? M.I.A. posted a side-by-side comparison on her Tumblr account for fans to examine; the most striking similarity seems to be the neon geometric shapes shared by both.
At any rate, the singer is indignant that her creativity was seemingly bilked by the organization. "My ideas came from my life," she asserts. "My set was based on Tamil Hindu temple. Not Bob Marley."
"If u wanna see the real thing or get it first come to a M.I.A. show!" the singer, who spent her childhood in Sri Lanka, added.
The Grammys organization has not commented on the matter. M.I.A. herself has not stated any plans for legal action as of this posting, although she did tweet (a since deleted) message to her followers: "IM KEEPING A STEAL LOG THIS YEAR HERE THE ONE FOR JAN / FEB >MIA $500 : GRAMMYS $5000000."
The Marley tribute, which boasted performances from Bruno Mars, Sting, Rihanna, and Marley’s sons Ziggy and Damien, actually only featured one song by Marley: “Could You Be Loved.”
In M.I.A.’s case—sounds as if that would be a no.
What do you think? Be sure to let us know!
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