Pearl of Africa Reborn

When I started working on this album, I hadn't seen my mother in five years. During that period, I would get messages from home that my mother was ill. This made me think back – remembering all the good things about her and all the stories and songs she sang to me. It made me open my eyes and look at all the mothers around me and what they mean to their families and in what ways they have impact on the lives of their families.

In 1992, my mother was able to come to the United States, and she is now getting the health care she deserves. I hope that this music will soothe, teach and allow the listener to experience some of life's positive forces. For the same reason, I dedicate this album to mothers around the world. I think it would be great if my music could help people feel like their mother's children again.