When the world lost Prince in April 2016, it wasn’t just the passing of a global superstar—it was the loss of a creative force who had reshaped music itself. Artists across genres mourned him, but honoring someone so unique was no easy task. Then came the BET Awards 2016—a night that would transform into a full celebration of Prince’s legacy. And at the heart of it all stood one person who knew him not just as a legend, but as family: Sheila E..
This wasn’t just another tribute performance. It was something far deeper—raw, emotional, and unforgettable.
A Bond That Went Beyond Music
To understand why Sheila E.’s performance hit so hard, you have to understand her connection to Prince. Their relationship began in the late 1970s and grew into one of the most iconic creative partnerships in music history. She wasn’t just a collaborator—she was his confidante, his bandmate, and at one point, his fiancée.
Together, they helped shape what became known as the Minneapolis Sound, blending funk, rock, pop, and soul into something entirely new. Prince co-wrote and produced Sheila E.’s breakout hit “The Glamorous Life,” while she contributed to his tours and albums, becoming a key figure in his musical world.
So when she stepped onto the BET Awards stage in June 2016, she wasn’t just performing—she was grieving.
The Night the Music Stopped—and Then Exploded
The BET Awards that year were already filled with powerful performances honoring Prince. Artists like Stevie Wonder and Jennifer Hudson delivered emotional renditions of his songs, while Janelle Monáe brought electrifying energy to the stage. ()
But the night belonged to Sheila E.
Closing the show, she launched into a nearly 10-minute medley of Prince classics—songs like “Housequake,” “Erotic City,” “Let’s Work,” “A Love Bizarre,” and “America.” ()
From the very first beat, it was clear this was something different.
She wasn’t just singing or playing—she was channeling something.
Grief in Motion
As the performance unfolded, the energy in the room shifted. What started as celebration slowly turned into something more intense, more personal. Sheila E. moved from drums to vocals to guitar with relentless energy, barely pausing for breath.
At times, she appeared overwhelmed—her face showing flashes of pain, tears visible as she continued to play. ()
This wasn’t polished or restrained. It was real.
She danced, pounded the drums, and even dropped to the floor, pouring everything she had into the music. It felt less like a performance and more like a release—a moment where grief and music became one.
The Moment That Said Everything
And then came the moment no one could forget.
As the medley reached its end, Sheila E. lifted a purple guitar high into the air—a powerful symbol of Prince himself. The crowd erupted. ()
It wasn’t just applause. It was recognition.
Recognition of loss.
Recognition of love.
Recognition of a bond that music alone could never fully explain.
Why This Tribute Still Matters
Years later, Sheila E.’s tribute is still remembered as one of the most powerful live performances in modern music history. Not because it was perfect—but because it was honest.
In a night filled with incredible talent, her performance stood out because it came from a place no one