Prince Enlists Janelle Monáe & Others for 'Welcome 2 America' Tour

Purple Ribbon is about to collide with the Purple One. Prince has officially announced Janelle Monáe as one of the supporting acts on his “Welcome 2 America” tour, which will also feature Maceo Parker, Cassandra Wilson, Sheila E., Mint Condition, Lalah Hathaway, Esperanza Spalding, and more.

“I’ve got lots of hits,” said a bespectacled Prince during a press conference earlier this evening at Harlem’s famed Apollo Theater. “Bring footspray ’cause it’s gonna be funky.”

This marks the first time that Prince has launched a substantial U.S. tour since 2004, with the first date occurring on an ambiguous “Purple Day in December in the year 2010.” Prince will also play a multi-night stint in the New York area as part of the trek, though dates are currently unconfirmed.