Cubans understand that theirs is a country that provides sanctuary for people fleeing oppression. As a nation, they are very proud of this stance. They don't care how much the U.S. government badgers or attacks them.

In my case, spirituality has been important to me because at periods in my life there's been very little else that I've had going. I've actually needed to call on, to feel the forces of good in this universe to be able to survive.

I can't do nothin except try to find cloud nine.

There is a down side to everything if you don't understand what the consequences of what you are saying in your music you could possibly end up getting yourself killed or hurting other people because of your carelessness.

My life wasn't beautiful and creative before I became politically active. My life was totally changed when I began to struggle.

I think that any time anybody gets rid of oppression, intervention, exploitation, cruelty - that's positive.

It is only for the sake of those without hope that hope is given to us.