Seattle photographer Christopher Nelson snapped these photos of avant-garde British singer-songwriter M.I.A., who performed a colorful blend of hip-hop, dance, electronica and world music Sunday (Oct. 17) at Showbox at the Market. Rye Rye opened the show.

Backed by a dance troupe and accompanied by a dazzling light show, M.I.A. performed a short, tight set that featured such songs as “IllyGirl,” “World Town,” “Boyz,” “Bamboo Banga,” “Story to Be Told” and “Born Free.” Her encore included “Space,” “Teqkilla,” “Stepping Up” and “Paper Planes.”

M.I.A. (full name Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam) was born in London to parents of Sri Lankan Tamil descent.

Visit Nelson’s photography Web site by following this link.