Growing up in an Ethiopian household allowed me to feel like I had an audience before I had an audience.

It is very rare that I am just coming up with melodies off the top of my head. I usually am responding to something - it could be chains dragging on the floor - but I am usually responding to something.

Growing up, Missy Elliot and Janet Jackson were definitely major references.

Most of my friends, growing up, were upper-middle-class white kids, so it was a different reality at home both culturally and linguistically. It created a lot of insecurities for me, but it also did a lot of amazing things that I didn't know were happening at the time.

Brazil has people in some places with so difficult situations. They prefer to smile than cry because they love life. They love to be happy. That's Brazilian style.

I always looked for a man to rescue me and bring me happiness. I bought into that myth, of course, and looked for my own Prince Charming.

Our life here on Earth has as its purpose precisely to prepare for our eternal happiness. This world is a large womb. It is a 'test' as all opportunities are tests.

There are things that are more important than my personal happiness.