Prince Keino has always dreamed of becoming a performer!
P-Pop rapper-singer Prince Keino is starting to explore his individuality in his chosen genre after he participated in the reality show “Dream Maker.”
In a recent interview with FreebieMNL, the 15-year-old artist shared that since he was a child, his greatest aspiration is to become a performer.
Now that Prince has dipped his toes into it, he is more determined to work his way up and reach his full potential.
He said, “Simula po nung bata po ako, talagang pangarap ko na po talaga makapag-perform, makita po sa TV… Pinapangarap ko po talaga yon.
“Sa ngayon, talagang wino-work ko pa rin po yun para mapakita po sa mga tao na kaya ko po. Para mapakita po sa kanila yung talento ko talaga po.”
Prince acknowledges there’s room for improvement while believing in his continuous growth at the same time.
He added, “At this young age po, talagang mas ini-improve ko po yung sarili ko. Lalo na po sa mga pakikipag-usap, communicate, siyempre po, sa pakikipag–usap sa mga taong sumusuporta… sa pagmamahal po nila.”
Doing solo was actually Prince’s preference. But even though he navigates himself as a solo act, he continues to seek advice from his father, who was his first teacher.
Prince assured, “Okay naman po sa akin yung pagiging solo. Palagi naman po [akong] nagso-solo talaga sa performance.”
“Hindi pa rin po mawawala yung paghinigi ko po ng advice sa daddy ko sa pagko-compose po ng kanta kasi siya po yung nagturo sa aking mag-rap po talaga.”
In fact, Prince previously joined rap competitions with his father.
The young rapper shared, “Kahit naman po dati, siyempre, kasama ko po yung daddy ko mag-perform sa mga rap contests, then nagcha-champion po kami.”
Prince is also open to acting projects and gaining more TV exposure drawing from his past experience in the field.
He competed in a segment of “Eat Bulaga!” called “Hype Kang Bata Ka!” He was also part of “Team Yey!” with Hori7on’s Marcus Cabais
As for acting, he played a role in “The Gift” which was headlined by Alden Richards.
FreebieMNL and other entertainment press interviewed Prince during his launch as the newest endorser of Ching’s Fried Noodles.
Doors opening after “Dream Maker”
In “Dream Maker,” Prince finished in the ninth place out of 62 contestants. Despite not making it in the final group Hori7on, “Dream Maker” paved the way for more opportunities for Prince.
Currently, Prince is with Star Music, in co-management with Artist Circle headed by talent manager Rams David.
He has released his debut single and has promised another release this year.
And of course, he received his first endorsement for Ching’s Fried Noodles. Not only its is his first endorsement, Prince is also the first endorser of the brand since its establishment in 2007.
While he enjoys being a solo act, Prince admits that it is also a challenge for him.
He said, “Talagang mahirap po kasi, siyempre, lalo pag nagpa-practice po ako, solo! Solo po talaga pag nag-practice doon.”
On the brighter side, he is blessed for the solid support of his fans, the Royals, as their encouragement keeps him going.
He expressed, “Thankful po ako sa Royals dahil simula po ng Dream Maker, hindi po nila ako iniwan hanggang ngayong nag-release po ako ng single.”
Prince still keeps in touch with some of the friends he made from the show, including Hori7on, whenever their schedules align—understanding how busy they all are with their careers.
He shared, “Yung seven members ng Hori7on po, siyempre, kinukumusta ko po sila. Minsan, siyempre, sobrang busy din po nila. So, hindi po sila makapag-message.
“Pero sa mga Dream Chasers po na hindi nakapasok sa Hori7on, nakakausap ko sila. Then, minsan, nagkakaroon din po sila ng fan meeting or gala po. Sumasama po ako sa kanila, sinasama po nila ako.”
When “Dream Maker” ended, Prince decided to redirect his focus more into the P-Pop scene, venturing as a young rapper with a burning heart for performing.
Setting P-Pop apart from K-Pop
Having undergone an intensive Korean training program through “Dream Maker,” how does Prince ensure he stays true to the Filipino sound?
He answered, “Nag-start po talaga ako sa pagra-rap. Talagang makabayan na po yung inaawit kasi yung mga nira-rap ko po, makabayan. Kasi idol ko po si Francis M.”
The late Francis Magalona inspired Prince to create music that touches on being makabayan. But Prince gives all the credit to his father for introducing him to Pinoy rap at a young age.
Prince shared, “Sa bawat kanta po talagang simula po nung bata po ako, puro makabayan po.
“Mga sinusulat po nung daddy ko, puro makabayan. Kasi nakasama po ni daddy si Francis M. [noong] 2009 po, sa “Wish Ko Lang.”
“Nung lumaki po ako, napanood ko po siya, and doon po parang nag-start na, ‘Wow! Ang galing ni Francis M.’
“So, parang, para sa akin po, mapapakita ko po yun, siyempre, sa paggawa po ng kanta din na para po sa ating bayan.”
Prince also looks up to SB19 as he was first introduced to P-Pop through the group, with his favorite being one of the group’s rappers and also soloist, Josh Cullen.
At the moment, Prince is anticipating his second release anytime this year.
Interview Jimpy Anarcon
Text Pamela Torres
Banner Art Paulo Correa
