African Diaspora Tourism launches new cultural heritage site to preserve the legacy of the late global music icon. (ProjectPurpleCultire.org)
The late, great multi-talented artist Prince was a prodigy in our times just like Mozart and Beethoven were in theirs. Prince Rogers Nelson, known to the world as simply Prince, was an artistic genius whose unbounded influence defied categorization, and stretched way beyond music. African Diaspora Tourism (AD-Tourism) has launched the comprehensive site ‘Project Purple Culture’ to help preserve the legacy of the incomparable musical icon who was also an unparalleled culture influencer.
“I, along with so many other baby boomers, enjoyed and danced to the sounds of Prince, especially in the 80’s when his music dominated the charts,” says AD-Tourism publisher Kitty J. Pope. “Forty years later my interest was re-ignited after visiting Paisley Park, the Minneapolis sanctuary where Prince once lived, made music and performed, and hosted other musical talents.
“After touring the Paisley complex and experiencing his music and cultural artistry firsthand, I was completely blown away! It was then that I realized that Prince was truly an artistic genius like no other, in every sense of the word.” I knew that I had to do something to help promote and preserve the legacy of one of the greatest music and culture artists of all time. As a culture, tourism and media professional, I felt that his legacy encompassed all of what cultural heritage was all about inclusive of the arts, culture, entertainment and lifestyle.” 
Paisley Park opened its doors to the public in 2016, six months after Prince died, fulfilling the musical icons’ dream of one day welcoming visitors. The historic former residence today is a museum and concert venue frequented by thousands of fans and music lovers from around the world every year. Paisley Park and Minneapolis have become like a “Mecca” for Prince fans and music lovers where many make “pilgrimages” to pay homage to their late musical hero.
“Because I was so fired up after exploring Paisley Park, I continued to study Prince’s life and music in order to launch the Project Purple Culture site. “Most people around the world know of Prince: his song, dance, flamboyant stage presence and his energizing electrifying performances, but many of us did not know that he was also a master multi-instrumentalist who played at least 27 instruments. I don’t know of any other artist who could do that. He even played all 27 instruments on his first album “For You” that was self-produced when he was only 19 years old.”
Yet his talents as a multi-instrumentalist have been much too underrated in the entertainment industry. He has almost been unrecognized as one of the greatest guitarists, most talented pianists and sensational drummers. A legendary creative genius with a multi-level influence on music and culture, there was something truly unique that God placed in Prince that is hard to explain. He was arguably the most talented performer and the most versatile artist that ever lived.
As a ground-breaking artist, Prince revolutionized the music industry with his genre-defying sounds, and eclectic mix of funk, rock, pop, and R&B. His distinctive voice, incomparable musicianship, and unparalleled stage performances is why Prince became a global icon and one of the most influential musicians in pop culture. Still today, his work remains relevant and innovative, serving to inspire many modern artists as well as music and culture enthusiasts the world over. 
It was his Purple Rain album released in 1984 that solidified his status as a legend and icon. Considered one of the greatest of all time, the album showcased his musical talents and songwriting abilities, and it also helped to define the 80’e era and pop culture music. The Purple Rain album was Prince’s sixth release, topping the charts for more than 24 weeks. Featuring the song “Purple Rain and other iconic hits like “When Doves Cry,” the album sold over 20 million copies worldwide. To date, it remains one of the best-selling soundtracks, going certified platinum 13 times.
Accompanying the Purple Rain album was the Purple Rain movie, also a phenomenal hit that became a defining film of 80s cinema. The movie, still popular today, is noted for being one of the best musicals of all times. Prince was the first artist and to date the only to have a number one single, album and movie at same time giving him a cultural dominance unlike any other artists. Becoming known as the “Purple One,” and “Purple Majesty,” Prince was on fire as Purple Rain became a cultural phenomenon around the world.
He continued to push boundaries with albums such as Sign o’ the Times (1987), LoveSexy (1988), Diamonds and Pearls (1991) and The Gold Experience (1995). In addition to a musician and performer, he was a songwriter, director, producer, actor, and philosophist and philanthropist. Today the impact of the Prince phenomenon is everywhere as music and cultural enthusiasts globally are continuously capturing the spirit of Prince and getting ignited about his legacy. “His legacy is so important because hardly any artists have had a greater footprint on music, style, and artistry than Prince,” explains Pope. 
“One thing I emphatically want people to know is that he was the first mega-artist to stand up to the music industry in an effort to get himself and other artists more creative freedom and charge over their own work. Famously changing his name to a symbol to fight for artistic freedom, many artists today benefit from his bravery and willingness to take a stand against big music corporations. He helped to give creative power back to the artist, setting the example when he gained control over his own musical initiatives. Prince’s legacy has inspired thousands of artists to claim ownership of their works.
“It is amazing how Prince was able to be so creative and let his genius abilities shine through all while having the energy and wherewithal to stand up to big business in music. I want to enhance this narrative to help move him up to his proper place in history because his quest for musical freedom along with his artistic contributions set him apart from the rest. The historical narrative of Prince must include that he was a freedom fighter for all creative artists,” explains Pope. 
The once-in-a-lifetime beloved performer, whose lustrous career spanned nearly 40 years, died on April 21, 2016, when he was only 57 years old. Even though some close people that knew him said that Prince was not much of a drinker and not a part of the drug culture, he sadly died from a fentanyl painkiller overdose. Gone too soon, his fans today still claim to feel his love and creative spirit, especially when visiting Paisley Park, where they are discovering and rediscovering the magic of his music and artistry.
“Project Purple Culture is about all things Prince and his creative artistry. It serves to bring Prince fans and music lovers together to share and embrace the legacy of one of the most revolutionary figures in the history of music. Not only a master of his music craft, but him being an artistic trend setter and trailblazer add to why he is so culturally significant. He won many awards for his music and showmanship, but I think Prince should have also gotten prestigious awards for his fashion and styles of dress because he was a fashion trendsetter and fashionista!”
A phenomenal gift that keeps on giving, Prince left us a lifetime of memories and music to cherish for many generations. With so many unpublished, unreleased songs secured in his famed ‘Vault,’ fans and music lovers will be able to enjoy new Prince songs for many, many years to come. It has been estimated that the Vault contains hundreds upon hundreds of unreleased songs and many unreleased albums. tantalizing musician created and left sustainable, timeless, deeply emotional music that many, many future listeners will be able to appreciate.
The belated superstar continues to shine brightly as people from all walks of life are drawn to his world of passion and creativity. Various cities around the world are presenting conferences, workshops, celebrations and festivals in his honor every year. There are even some cities with Prince laser shows. Global musical tributes, rendition cover bands, and talented artists depicting visuals and other artforms are helping to keep his legacy alive. Murals in his honor are popping up in different cities around the world. Books, documentaries, articles and podcasts are continuously coming out today to help us learn more about Prince’s cultural legacy.
“His unique body of work speaks for itself. It is my hope that it will be studied, embraced and celebrated for many generations just like we study the works of the greatest poets, musicians and artists of the past. We must respect and help to preserve Prince’s legacy because it is important to our culture and history. There will never be another Prince,” explains Pope. There has been no other quite like this inimitable larger-than life artist. Many celebs, entertainers and music lovers and fans like me say that Prince was the GOAT! His unconquerable spirit is still with us today! Long live his musical and cultural legacy that is sure to inspire generations for many years to come.”
For more information, visit ProjectPurpleCulture.org or PaisleyPark.com.
