My own personal theory is that all popular music, in whatever form it is, to me, it all comes from Africa. Whether it's filtered through America or whatever - African-American. But I still think there's something in that roots music that's very, very African, and I think that's what unites people.

I think if you're a creative person, then you're always kinda looking to move things along - 'Where else can I go? Where can I take this?' From painters to photographers - anything creative in the arts - if you're a true artist, I think you'll always look to do something else. 'Where else can I go with it?' Do you know what I mean?

In the past we used to come over to see what was going on in London or Paris or Milan or wherever - it's pretty much the same stuff everywhere [now], and people are wearing the same things, because it's all instantaneous with the Internet.

I'm so lucky, I'm just really grateful for what I've got around me - children and my wife and everything else.

It's always good to play New York. The Apollo is a great gig. I loved that.

People say you make your best work when in despair, but I think happiness is a good place to write from.

I still love playing music. It was all I ever wanted to do, and I got the chance to do it.