Africa doesn't leap on you immediately; it seeps slowly, and it's incredibly important to be respectful and humble there.

I was backstage at the House of Blues in L.A where I was about to perform, and Stevie Wonder and Prince turned up at my dressing room together! Stevie started beat boxing and Prince started singing one of my songs, all of a sudden it was like I was in a cypher with these incredible artists.

For me, hair is an accoutrement. Hair is jewelry. It's an accessory.

Nikki Giovanni! I got a book of hers from the library, and there was this woman who could paint me on paper with words - my whole little experience. I thought it was wonderful.

I love when I am around a veteran in [show] business. Because I can dig and ask questions, and find out the "who" and "what" of it all.

Soul music is about longevity and reaching and touching people on a human level - and that's never going to get lost.

For a writer it's a dream to sit and watch people as close as possible.