The City of Brampton spent more than $600,000 CAD to bring internationally acclaimed rapper M.I.A. to perform at its recent Canada Day event, as part of its efforts to establish the city as a “regional and international destination.”
The city’s announcement followed a report by INsauga.com revealing that M.I.A. was paid $450,000 USD for her July 1st performance at Chinguacousy Park. Documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act showed that after currency conversion, this amounted to approximately $611,000 CAD, a figure that would have been higher when the payments were initially made due to a weaker Canadian dollar.
In addition to the base fee, M.I.A. agreed to a $30,000 USD withholding towards production costs, leaving $420,000 USD paid directly to her or her agency. The deal was also subject to a 15% Canadian withholding tax.
While Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown did not directly address the payment, a city representative emphasized that hiring a globally recognized artist aligns with Brampton’s tourism strategy to boost its international profile and attract a diverse audience. The spokesperson stated that Brampton’s Canada Day celebration is the city’s largest annual event and highlights its “diverse cultural landscape.”
“The decision to feature a high-profile artist is part of our strategic effort to position Brampton as a regional and international destination. This approach supports our goal of offering diverse cultural experiences and stimulates local tourism,” the city’s statement read.
The city noted that costs for the event were partially offset by vendor fees, grants, sponsorships, and other revenues totaling over $297,000. They described the expenditure as a reflection of Brampton’s commitment to managing public funds responsibly while delivering a high-quality event.
Regional Councillor Rowena Santos weighed in on the event’s significance, stating, “Bringing a global icon like M.I.A. to Brampton showcases the city’s commitment to celebrating diversity while attracting international attention. It’s not just about the music—it’s about making Brampton a must-visit destination, driving local tourism, and creating a sense of pride for our community. Events like these help put Brampton on the map and generate lasting economic benefits for the city.”
M.I.A., a quadruple-platinum artist known for her hit “Paper Planes,” headlined the Canada Day event, which also featured performances from other artists, including Punjab hip-hop artist Ikky, who was paid $15,000 for his appearance.