We recently had the chance to connect with Prince T’Challa and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Prince, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I recently relocated to New York City with one of my closest friends, and I’ve been brimming with excitement about the numerous opportunities that await us. We’re actively assembling a new lineup for The Royal Court band, based in New York, since unfortunately, all the original members are based in Massachusetts. However, I’m thrilled about the prospect of exploring a fresh sound with new members and continuing to deliver the captivating and engaging shows that have always set us apart.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey! I’m Prince T’Challa, an artist who likes to live in the space between the dramatic and the ridiculous. My music is really just me processing life—growing up, love, losing people, anger, healing—and turning it into something theatrical as one of my fans recounted. What makes my brand unique is the way I approach it: I’m a male artist with an eccentric image that leans into mondern royality, chaos, and storytelling. I don’t really like fitting into boxes, so my work bounces between raw honesty and tongue-in-cheek irony, depending on the project. Even the genres can differ based on how I am feeling in the moment.
Right now I’m working on my new EP “Um…What!?” which releases September 13th 2025. The EP is basically me leaning into unpredictability—songs that are dark, campy, emotional, and weird all at once. I want people to feel like they’re stepping into my world every time they listen. At the end of the day, I create for people who feel lost, misunderstood, or just want a safe place to embrace their own emotions. That’s what Prince T’Challa is all about.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
First off, my father is my main inspiration even before I was born. He would sing to me while my mom was pregnant and would just always speak words of affirmation to me. Growing up, he would play every genre of music as he was obsessed with music as well: Ann G, Black Sheep, Public Enemy, Al Green, and others. Eventually, I started taking inspiration from artists like Madison Beer, Isaac Dunbar, Umi, Lolo Zouai, Gallant, and Melanie Martinez, to name a small pool of the artists I enjoy listening to, but my father has always been number 1. He has taught me so much about the music industry since I was able to walk and talk. When he was finishing his album, “The Eternal Quest for Authenticity,” that he released in 2011, I was in the studio with him turning knobs on the mixer and directing the musicians as a little kid on what to do! It cracks him up every time thinking about where I started to where I am now, but where I am now makes him proud, and I just want to continue to make him proud.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid or second-guess your actions. Instead, utilize the resources available to you, avoiding the fear of appearing needy or incompetent. I struggled immensely with simply opening my mouth and speaking to people to secure opportunities. It wasn’t until college that I began actively approaching individuals and seeking their assistance and support. Once I overcame the fear of rejection and failure, I quickly realized that simply asking for what I wanted often yielded positive results, especially since I always approached the situation with respect. I was holding myself back and being my own worst enemy due to the anxiety I had created.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Please do not laugh, but I absolutely admire Benjamin Kirby Tennyson, aka Ben 10, and Cereza, aka Bayonetta. Both characters are immensely powerful in their universes, yet they constantly sacrifice their own lives for others. They can be witty, funny, and nonchalant, but at the core, they deeply care for those around them—especially those who cannot protect themselves. I believe they are fantastic role models for showing that strength can be expressed in ways beyond just power scaling.
With Ben, I watched from the original series all the way through Omniverse—my personal favorite. While his character was altered at times in the later series, you could still see a consistent growth: from a young, naïve kid who used his powers to sneak around and play video games to a full-fledged hero who always tries his hardest to do the right thing and has saved the universe on multiple occasions.
With Bayonetta, you get a strong female lead who, at the time of her debut, was very atypical—especially for her genre of hack-and-slash action-adventure games. She shows strength in owning her sexuality, being cheeky and blunt about it. Though she is a powerful witch, you still see her struggle and face challenges that force her (and the player) to think creatively about how to approach situations, rather than simply fighting with fists and guns blazing. She also has vulnerable moments that remind you to show humility and humanity—that while we may stumble and fall as humans, we always get back up and continue forward.
I just find both of these characters really fascinating. Interestingly, both of their birthdays are in December. Bayonetta is a confirmed Sagittarius, like myself, while Ben’s exact birthdate has never been confirmed. Still, based on his actions and outlook, he feels much more like a Sagittarius to me than a Capricorn.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I definitely believe I am doing what I was born to do. Something about performing and then interacting with fans afterwards—hearing how my music has touched their souls, excited them, or reminded them of forgotten moments in time—feels amazing to me. It’s a continuous drive to keep writing songs and sharing the stories that someone out there might be looking to feel seen in. Representation matters, no matter the media format. We all want to see our life experiences reflected back at us, and I feel as though I was born to help people see themselves. I truly cannot imagine doing anything else but creating music and sharing it with anyone who wants to listen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/PrinceTChallaofficial
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prince_tchalla_official/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxm3E6nX3bJTjlXiByLxqtQ
Image Credits
Maggie Dineen
Megan McCarthy
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
