When Venda artist Rotshidzwa Tshabuse, affectionately known as Venda Prince, became a father in 2025, his world shifted in ways his mother told him it would. Today, he proudly calls himself a ‘present dad’, and that transformation sits at the heart of his debut album, Dembe, a project dedicated entirely to his daughter.

Her name, Dembe, which means miracle, was suggested by his mother long before she was born.

“My mom told me that a lot of things were going to change in my life after I got my firstborn,” he said. “When my daughter arrived, and I gave her that name, I honestly started seeing those changes happening. More doors opened, more opportunities came, and my mindset changed.”

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Prince added fatherhood pulled him away from street life and redirected his focus toward building stability, purpose and a future for his child.

“Before, I was always around people, always outside, always moving. Now I enjoy being at home, being a dad. I’m focused on making money, growing in my career and being there for my daughter. She changed the way I see life.”

That shift inspired the album’s title and much of its content. Released on January 31 this year, Dembe features 11 tracks blending R&B, trap, and Tshivenda lyrics, a sound Prince has been developing since his early days in the City of Gold.

He said singing in Tshivenda is intentional, as he wants his language and culture to be well represented.

“I wanted to do something different. I wanted people outside Venda to hear our language through music. That’s important to me, representing where I come from.” While some songs were written before his daughter was conceived, most were recorded after her birth, making the album a true love letter to his journey into fatherhood.

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The title track, Dembe, is dedicated to his child, with Prince expressing his love and promises for her future. Other songs such as Mwanangu and Impilo explore themes of responsibility, growth and leaving old habits behind.

“In those songs, I’m talking about becoming a father, changing my mindset and wanting better for my family. It’s no longer just about me. Everything I do now, I do with my daughter in mind.”

Born into a royal family, Prince said his title is not just a stage name; it reflects his roots. But despite that lineage, his upbringing wasn’t easy.

“My father wasn’t really there for me growing up. So I told myself I don’t want that story for my child. I want her to know me, to feel my love and to always see me around. I don’t judge my father, but I learned what I don’t want to repeat.”

He credits his stepfather for raising him and shaping his values, saying that experience taught him the importance of showing up and being present. Beyond music, Prince also works in cybersecurity management, travelling across countries such as Mozambique, Malawi and Kenya.

“This album is really my story. It’s about where I come from, becoming a father and where I’m trying to go. My daughter means everything to me, and this is my way of honouring her.”

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