On what would have been Prince’s 58th birthday, Minnesota governor Mark Dayton declared June 7th “Prince Day” in the music legend’s home state.
Dayton praised Prince as the creator of the ‘Minnesota Sound’, a contribution not only to the global catalogue of music genres but to Minnesota’s worldwide prominence and its economic growth. The award was given posthumously as the singer had died of health complications in April, 2016 meaning that Nigerian R&B/Soul singer Praiz Adejo had received the accolade before the hometown hero.
February 6, 2016, was proclaimed Praiz Adejo day by Minnesota governor Mark Dayton – the day the singer was billed to perform as a special guest at a Red Affair Fundraiser. The event was held in downtown Minneapolis to benefit Avenues for Homeless Youth.
According to the singer –
2 years ago I was in Minnesota on a vacation and I happened to go on a tour at the CAPITOL. It was an interesting experience. I also met some good people and made new friends. Today the Governor of Minnesota, Mark Dayton, has issued a proclamation to recognize me. I am very honored and humbled.
Today, 6th February, 2017, is the first anniversary of Praiz Adejo day. While the day has been set aside to recognize the singer’s achievement, it will not be commemorated in the same manner as Prince’s will be.
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He joins the like of Beyonce who have days in the state. However, the day is not a public holiday as reported by some news outlets. Minnesota residents are encouraged to wear purple in honor of Prince’s legacy on Prince Day. Praiz’ day, on the other hand, is more symbolic than celebratory. The singer was able to achieve in his lifetime what a hometown hero and global legend only achieved in death.