9. M.I.A.
M.I.A. is one of those artists who really isn't scared to ruffle a few feathers. Since she released her début 'Arular' in 2005, it's become clear that she's not one to be taken lightly - a contentious rapper and a staunch political activist, she's committed her life to opening minds and raising the big issues through her music. During an expansive career in both music and the visual arts, she's been nominated for Oscars, Grammys, Brit Awards, the Mercury Prize, the lot - and is considered by many to be one of the most influential (and controversial) women in the world due to her enormous contributions to music, politics, visual art and philanthropy. Her music is an avant-garde mixture of freaky electroclash with hip-hop, dancehall and the odd less-than-subtle nod to her turbulent Sri Lankan upbringing and heritage. She's influenced by every aspect of life - taking in everything around her and building the biggest possible picture of the world we live in, which she then pours into her music and puts out to the world. She strives to break the mould and open minds in every area of her career - she's an artist of the likes that we've never seen before and she's definitely around for the long haul.