And why is our music called world music? I think people are being polite. What they want to say is that it's third world music. Like they use to call us under developed countries, now it has changed to developing countries, it's much more polite.

If given a choice, I would have certainly selected to be what I am: one of the oppressed instead of one of the oppressors.

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

I do not sing politics. I merely sing the truth.

I have one thing in common with the emerging black nations of Africa: We both have voices, and we are discovering what we can do with them.

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.

There are three things I was born with in this world, and there are three things I will have until the day I die-hope, determination, and song.