Building Bridges Through Dance: The Legacy of Prince M.I.K

If you are in Neukoelln, one of the most multi-cultural districts in Berlin, Germany there is a name that people in the cultural scene will be very familiar with. He’s a pillar of the community and a creative, who has been making waves in the artistic scene in Germany and internationally. Meet Ghanian born, Berlin based artist - Prince M.I.K

Prince was born in Ghana and has moved to Germany as a young teen, where he was reunited with his mother and brother who had moved 13 years prior. Coming to Berlin was challenging for Prince. Cultural differences and language were obvious barriers but Prince M.I.K used his art was as a way to connect, a way to express and over time Neukoelln became his home. Looking back Prince says that this experience has taught him a lot, as he feels more equipped to adapt to different situations. Also everyone that knows Prince, knows that he has a special talent to connect to all types of people. Something that would become very beneficial in his career.

Today Prince works as a creative in multiple disciplines. He’s a DJ and regularly moves big crowds with his dynamic and energetic sets. He combines music and dance and creates whole experiences as an artistic director. Over the years, he’s created multiple stage productions, a NFL Halftime Show and regularly tours with Peter Fox, one of Germany’s top artists.

Prince is also the founder of M.I.K Family, a hugely successful dance collective, that is now internationally known. His ability to combine powerful emotion and technical precision in his dancing has earned him recognition both in Germany and internationally. He has played a pivotal role in bringing Krumping to Germany and elevating it within the wider dance culture scene.

With all this going on in his career, Prince still never forgets his community. He’s the chairman of MINCE e.V., an NGO that focuses on anti-discriminatory youth work through Black dance cultures in Neukoelln. He’s curated and organised multiple cultural events, workshops and even festivals that spotlight various Black dance cultures.

His work is marked by a strong connection to his African heritage and a socially critical perspective that he incorporates into all of his performances and community projects. Empowering young artists from Africa, particularly Ghana, as well as the Caribbean. Through the projects he leads, Prince is able to provide these artist with opportunities to travel internationally and showcase their talents. Together with his team, he continually creates platforms that help African and Caribbean artists to turn their creativity into sustainable income.

For example through CDC Festival, which has grown into the biggest afrodiasporic dance festival in Europe. The festival bridges cultural gaps and promotes artistic exchange between African artists, Caribbean Artists and the diaspora living in Europe. An incredibly valuable project for all artists involved.

What makes Prince M.I.K special is his artistic versatility as well as his commitment to combining creative expression with social awareness. He has a special talent for connecting with and mentoring young artists, promoting cultural identity, actively helping his community thrive. It sets him apart as a unique figure in the cultural landscape - definitely an artist to watch.

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