Released November 24, 2008 Genre Electronica, world Label Interscope | Format Digital download Length 3:33 | |
Recorded 2008; Panchathan Record Inn and AM Studios (Chennai, India) | ||
"O... Saya" is a song from the soundtrack of the 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire. It was composed by Indian musician A. R. Rahman and British vocalist M.I.A., both of whom performed on the recording.
Song information
Rahman got interested in M.I.A. after listening to her debut album, and upon meeting Rahman the singer said she was a big fan of his work. Director Danny Boyle suggested M.I.A. work with Rahman on a piece for the score of the film. The song was then composed through continuous e-mailing between Rahman in India and M.I.A. in England. According to the digital music sheet published at musicnotes.com, the song is written in the key of B minor, with a moderately fast tempo.
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." At the awards ceremony, the song was performed by Rahman, surrounded by dancers and taiko drums.
"O... Saya" charted in the Billboard Hot 100 at 93, and the Canadian Hot 100 at 68.
The song was featured during the 2009 NFL Draft.