I ask you and all the leaders of the world: Would you act differently, would you keep silent and do nothing if you were in our place? Would you not resist if you were allowed no rights in your own country because the color of your skin is different to that of the rulers, and if you were punished for even asking for equality? I appeal to you, and through you to all the countries of the world, to do everything you can to stop the coming tragedy. I appeal to you to save the lives of our leaders, to empty the prisons of all those who should never have been there.

I see other black women imitate my style, which is no style at all, but just letting our hair be itself. They call it the Afro Look.

In the mind, in the heart, I was always home. I always imagined, really, going back home.

I kept my culture. I kept the music of my roots. Through my music I became this voice and image of Africa and the people without even realising.

Girls are the future mothers of our society, and it is important that we focus on their well-being.

I ask you and all the leaders of the world: Would you act differently, would you keep silent and do nothing if you were in our place? Would you not resist if you were allowed no rights in your own country because the color of your skin is different to that of the rulers, and if you were punished for even asking for equality? I appeal to you, and through you to all the countries of the world, to do everything you can to stop the coming tragedy. I appeal to you to save the lives of our leaders, to empty the prisons of all those who should never have been there.

I look at the past and I see myself.