Send us a textNicky Prince, whose real name is Siliman Musa Dima , is a celebrated South Sudanese singer and songwriter. Raised in refugee camps in northern Uganda, he navigated significant educational challenges, frequently moving between camps and schools due to financial difficulties. Despite these hardships, he excelled academically and discovered his passion for music, initially singing to uplift his mother during difficult times. He formed the group Blue Culture and later, in Khartoum, created Hard Life Preachers, recording songs with downloaded beats. Upon returning to South Sudan, he established Hard Life Avenue with fellow musician Mantani Murye Alex Aka Mantani, focusing on music that embodies resilience and shared struggles.The group's early songs received mixed reviews until they released their debut album, Lost Culture, in 2012, which gained traction, particularly in Yei, a central music hub, and later, the whole of South Sudan. Their initial collaborations with Producer Linus, who later joined the band, resulted in several successful hits, cementing their place in the South Sudanese music scene and leading the group to change their name to Hard Life Avenue Stars. Their song "Yau De" achieved widespread recognition, with their unique style and relatable lyrics significantly impacting the industry. Nicky Prince emphasizes authenticity and simplicity, steering clear of comparisons with international artists to preserve their distinct identity.Nicky Prince recounts the heartbreaking loss of Hard Life Avenue Stars member Mantani, who died in an accident in 2021. This loss profoundly affected  Nicky Prince and Linus, who had to cope with the death of a close friend and bandmate. Despite their sorrow, they continued to honour Mantani's legacy through their music and performances. Nicky discusses the challenges of balancing his music career, personal life, and day job, highlighting his wife's support and his colleagues' eventual acknowledgement of his musical fame.