If you come from Africa with your economic poverty and your cultural riches, and you meet someone like Peter Gabriel or a person from a big record company, and they tell you that what you are doing is marvelous, that makes you feel powerful.

In Africa, there is much confusion.... Before, there was no radio, or other forms of communication.... Now, in Africa ... the government talks, people talk, the police talk, the people don't know anymore. They aren't free.

I have to protect my family and have a life with them that is completely private.

My music is like a spinning ball. It can turn in one direction, and then it comes back to origins.

I can assure you that I have never used my media companies for propaganda, and I will never do so.

I grew up with reggae music.

Western record companies haven't always dealt with African musicians in the best way. Giving them a lot of money and telling them they're going to be bigger than Phil Collins is the wrong way to do it!