Since I was three I've been playing the piano. I've been onstage.

I love the classics but there are many new ideas to be made into reality. I'd rather be concerned with my own thing. There are many masters of classical piano so I'll leave it to them.

I play piano, by ear. Yes, I write songs... and good ones.

I was not reluctant to become a singer. Singing has been an activity I've done my whole life, without thought.

It doesn't matter to me what is going on today because my music encompasses every kind of mood that exists in human beings. That's my stick.

What kept me sane was knowing that things would change, and it was a question of keeping myself together until they did.

My job is not done. I address my songs now to the third world. I am popular all over Asia and Africa and the Middle East, not to speak of South Africa, where I'm trying to go to see Nelson Mandela.