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I haven't traveled in Africa nearly as much as I'd like to. I've been there a few times, and I'd like to learn more about the various cultures in Africa. But that's the basis point of where all of the music that I love is based upon, from Africa to Cuba to Puerto Rico to South America.

I base myself in African-derived music. Blues is one of the modern forms of African music.

Music in Africa often contains messages. Music in Senegal, and Africa, is never music for music's sake or solely for entertainment. It's always a vehicle for social connections, discussions and ideas.

What's really good is African drum music.

In Africa, music is for everything, Music was originally used for community. That was what music was for.

My music is really fun music, with some pan-African and pan-American influences.

As a youngster, my parents made me aware that all that was from the African Diaspora belonged to me. So I came in with Caribbean music, African music, Latin music, gospel music and blues.

The African people and tribal chiefs are hospitable, and African music and dances are invigorating.

I think music is one of the hero/sheroes of the African-American existence.

Since the age of 12, all my musical thinking has been influenced by Afro-American music.