I couldn't imagine having to write a paper and have to think about what song I am going to sing.

It's believing you can push through the exhaustion just to be able to sing after you do a cartwheel or a split.

I prefer to sing in the shower because the acoustics make you sound great, baby.

I cried when I found out I was a finalist, I kind of went limp when they called my name. I felt like my spirit jumped out of my body, and I was just flesh - it was just amazing.

The live setting is always better for me. I usually thrive at live. I feel like having a band behind me and being able to interact with the crowd helps boost my energy up.

Always stay true to yourselves.

If my life was a song the title would be 'Naima'.

I've been doing African dance all my life.

I wouldn't mind doing Broadway, but I am definitely trying to get a album out there first.

beyond the earth and the shadowthe brightness of our love will stay alive

In August of 2002, I survived a car accident. Although I can still see the van speeding toward us, I cannot bring to mind the crash itself - only its aftermath.

There was no need to inform us of the protocol involved. We were from Chicago and knew all about cement.

Adversity is not a dead end but a detour to a better outcome than you can imagine!

Halloween is an opportunity to be really creative.

The child who concentrates is immensely happy

The reason my films work is because every actor on set is very secure. They're able to fly.

Everybody must decide to reach a state where you everyday see the blessings of God manifesting.

I clean my house, although I have help. I'm on the floor getting spots. I can't stand a dirty house. I'm a cleaning fanatic.

Foreign novels are less action-oriented. They have a different pace; they’re more reflective. They challenge us to look for the story, find the story within the story.