M.I.A. stopped by The Colbert Report to perform 'Y.A.L.A.' and 'Come Walk With Me,' talked politics, television and more [WATCH]

M.I.A. stopped by The Colbert Report last night to perform her Matangi tracks "Y.A.L.A." and "Come Walk With Me."

Before her performances, she sat down to chat with Colbert who questioned her about the pronunciation of her last name ("Is that your real name because most women fake the Arulpragasam," Colbert joked). He asked her about being both a visual artist and musician and why she would do both ("That's what refugees do, isn't it? We're multifaceted," she responded).

He also asked why she would mix politics with fun to which she responded, "I don't know. Actually I was inspired by a lot of American artists like Bob Dylan, Public Enemy, so by the time I put out my first song and came to America I thought you guys were used to it already. I didn't realize it was so shocking."

He then dug deeper asking what she thought of America. "In my mind, there's no countries. We're all one. We all live on this planet."

After admitting that she doesn't watch television and, therefore, doesn't watch his show, she complemented Colbert on his singing voice, and then headed to the stage to perform.

The began "Y.A.L.A." like a normal performance, but then the picture turned to the high-contrast red and turquoise present on the album cover and in the "Y.A.L.A" music video.

Her web exclusive performance "Come Walk With Me" stayed in the same high contrast color palette as was complete with a dancer going crazy behind her with M.I.A. keeping her cool up by the mic.

Check out the replays of the interview and performances here, and let us know what you think in the comments section below!

Tags

M.I.A., The Colbert Report