(Cover) - EN Showbiz - M.I.A. thinks people have forgotten what it felt like to be punk.

The 35-year-old musician has had a hugely successful career as a recording artist, with her unique vocals and edgy sound confirming her as one of the music industrys most exciting stars.

M.I.A. likes to push boundaries with her records, and gets frustrated when people dont understand the punk philosophy she adheres to. The star knows people find it shocking that she isnt interested in being a celebrity, and wishes they could see her point of view.

"Well with so many people wanting [mainstream fame], people forget the idea of not wanting it. So it was a huge shock for everyone, including my label, she told British newspaper The Guardian.

I think maybe it's just that people forgot what it felt like to be punk, and punk's not this new thing that's been adopted by LA or Hoxton people with spiky hair, it was genuinely about people who didn't want it, who just saw things differently.

The talented musician also gets angry when people expect her to behave in a certain way just because shes a pop star. M.I.A. is famous for being politically engaged, and she doesnt think so much should be made of that fact. The singer insists the only thing that should really matter to a credible recording artist is being musically gifted.

All I can do is when I come across people going, 'You know, in order to make music you have to be like this,' I go 'No, in order to make music you don't have to be like anything, you just have to be musical', she added. (C) Cover Media