Quotes from Hugh Masekela

One of the greatest things that could really happen to Africa is for us to get rid of the borders and for the leadership not to think that the countries belong to them... We didn't create the borders to start with.

I started playing the piano when I was 6 years old 'cause my folks tried to get me away from the gramophone. And I just - I lived for music since I could think. And they got me piano lessons. So by the time I was 13, I was quite an accomplished piano player and musician.

I don't criticise anybody, but I just don't understand religion. Like I don't understand nationalism. These are the two things that cause wars. I don't understand why they are supposed to be good things.

I've got to where I am in life not because of something I brought to the world but through something I found - the wealth of African culture.

I lived for music since I could think.

I don't think any musician ever thinks about making a statement. I think everybody goes into music loving it.

I don't think what I do is influenced by suffering. I come from a talented people who are prolific in music and dance.

The apartheid people were actors, and they had to act out their part in their beliefs every day. That's why we always saw them as being comedic.

Mandela was chosen as a symbol of the South African struggle, and he did that great. But I wasn't just happy for him. I was happy for the people.

I've got to where am in life not because of something I brought to the world but through something I found - the wealth of African culture.

I got possessed by music as an infant.

Corruption is everywhere, man.

The thing that is being lost is heritage. In Africa, religion and advertisement and television and media hype have gotten Africans to where they are convinced psychologically that their own heritage is heathen, pagan, barbaric, savage, primitive.

Not only in Africa but in much of the world, most leaders' pockets are lined by industrial business. And industrial business is never going to stop aiming at profit.

When people campaign for positions, they promise people all kinds of things.

I don't think anybody has ever been able to live up to what they promised. I don't know a government that has ever been successful at that because once they get into power, things change and the world is controlled also by business now.

I don't think I have the power to forgive.

Apartheid didn't impinge on music. It impinged on people's freedoms.

To tell you the truth, man, we spend most of the time travelling in hotels, in festivals, in concert halls, clubs, airports. The most unenjoyable part is all the security at airports.

Africa has been troubled for a long time - well, the world has been troubled ever since I was born.

I grew up with protests, marches, demonstrations, struggle. But I come from a clan of community workers.

What people don't know about oppression is that the oppressor works much harder. You always grew up being told you were not smart enough or not fast enough, but we all lived from the time we were children to beat the system.

It's obvious that the rest of the world loves high African culture - African culture, period.

Just because Nelson has been released doesn't mean the government has done us any favors. We have nothing to be grateful for. The government destroyed our country, destroyed our people. If anybody needs amnesty, it is the government.