Black Music, in other words, music composed by people of African descent, has greatly impacted my development and evolution as a musician, and as a human being. African-American music, African music, Afro-Latin American music and Afro-Caribbean music (such as reggae and calypso) have all served to broaden my musical horizons and my deepen my appreciation of various Black cultures around the world.

By listening to, and/or learning about, the Senegalese mbalax music of Youssou N’Dour, the a cappella isicathamiya and mbube music of South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and the African chant-inspired Circlesongs of Bobby McFerrin, amongst many others, I have been able to absorb and identify with some of the common elements in Black Music from different regions of the world. Underlying themes of spirituality, strength and pride pervade these various styles, regardless of idiomatic techniques or methods of expression.