O…Saya

"O...Saya"
Song by A.R. Rahman and M.I.A.
Released	November 24, 2008
Format	Digital download
Recorded	2008 Panchathan Record Inn and AM Studios, Chennai, India
Genre	Electronica, world music / soundtrack
Length	3:33
Label	Interscope
Writer	A.R. Rahman, M.I.A.
A. R. Rahman singles chronology "Marhaba Mustapha" (2008) "O...Saya" (2008) "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)" (2009) M.I.A. singles chronology "Paper Planes" (2008) "O...Saya" (2008) "Born Free" (2010)

"O…Saya" is a song from the soundtrack of the 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire. The song was composed by Indian musician A. R. Rahman and British vocalist M.I.A., both of whom performed on the recording. It charted in the Billboard Hot 100 at 93,^[1] the Hot Digital Songs at 63,^[2] and the Canadian Hot 100 at 68.^[3]

Rahman got interested in M.I.A. after listening to her album, and upon meeting Rahman, the singer said she was a big fan of his work. The song was then composed through continuous e-mailing between Rahman in India and M.I.A. in England.^[4]

The song was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 81st Academy Awards, but eventually lost to the song "Jai Ho", also from Slumdog Millionaire. M.I.A. said the nomination was an honor, stating "Maybe I can afford to book Dave Chappelle at the baby shower now."^[5] At the awards ceremony, the song was performed by Rahman, surrounded by dancers and taiko drums.^[6] M.I.A. was expected to perform, but could not due to just giving birth a week prior.^[7]

References

1. ^ Ben-Yehuda, Ayala. "Soulja Boy Climbs Hot 100". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/soulja-boy-climbs-hot-100-1003948235.story. Retrieved 2009-07-19. 
2. ^ "Hot Digital Songs". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 14 March 2009. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/chart_display.jsp?cfi=395&cfgn=Singles&cfn=Hot+Digital+Songs&ci=3106756&cdi=10152464&cid=03%2F14%2F2009. Retrieved 19 July 2009. ^{[dead link]}
3. ^ "Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 5 March 2009. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/chart_display.jsp?cfi=793&cfgn=Singles&cfn=Canadian+Hot+100&ci=3106680&cdi=10149809&cid=03%2F14%2F2009. Retrieved 9 March 2009. ^{[dead link]}
4. ^ "Composer A.R. Rahman on the Sounds of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and Being M.I.A.’s Idol". New York. 2008-11-12. http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2008/11/ar_rahman_on_slumdogs_sound.html. Retrieved 2009-07-19. 
5. ^ "M.I.A. Responds to Oscar Nod: “I Can Afford to Book Dave Chappelle at the Baby Shower Now”". Rolling Stone. 2009-01-23. http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/01/23/mia-responds-to-oscar-nod-i-can-afford-to-book-dave-chappelle-at-the-baby-shower-now/. Retrieved 2009-07-19. 
6. ^ "'Slumdog Millionaire' Sweeps Music Oscars". Billboard. 2009-02-23. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/slumdog-millionaire-sweeps-music-oscars-1003943900.story. Retrieved 2009-07-19. 
7. ^ Swash, Rosie (2009-02-17). "MIA invited to perform from bed at Oscars 2009". The Guardian (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/feb/17/mia-oscars-performance-2009. Retrieved 2009-07-19.