My first introduction to African music was by my mother…

I like African music, and I'm a huge Ravi Shankar fan.

— Serj Tankian

When I was very little, I was into Michael Jackson. At six or seven, it was Madonna, but she's not what she used to…

— Lykke Li

I grew up singing Mexican music, and that's based on indigenous Mexican rhythms. Mexican music also has an overlay of West African music, based…

— Linda Ronstadt

I just wanted to sing, and I didn't want my music to be unique to the US. I wanted Africans to hear it and…

— Letta Mbulu

I like African music but also R&B, rap, alternative rock, and classic.

— Mousa Dembele

As players of instruments, it is our duty to reach out and give light to those in the dark in whatever way that we…

— Sizzla

The African people and tribal chiefs are hospitable, and African music and dances are invigorating.

— Li Keqiang

“Most people write me off when they see me. They do not know my story. They say I am just an African. They judge…

— idowu koyenikan

The curious beauty of African music is that it uplifts even as it tells a sad tale. You may be poor, you may have…

— Nelson Mandela

I was raised on African music, Harry Belafonte, and the Boston Pops. Then I got a dose of soul and hip-hop. I related to…

— Fantastic Negrito

Classical music gives musicians a kick. But African music gives everyone a kick.

— Fela Kuti

I will never again play anything that does not have social significance. We American jazz musicians of African descent have proved beyond all doubt…

— Max Roach

I was drawn to West Africa. I did listen to a bunch of different styles of African music, and there was something about the…

— Ludwig Goransson

I'm playing deep African music.

— Fela Kuti

There's this kind of dialogue between African music and dance music, especially Moroccan stuff, because it's kind of ceremonial and has built-in repetition.

— Bonobo