The reunion of former members of the New Power Generation (NPG) – Prince’s legendary backing band from 1990 to 2013 – was born out of the official Prince Tribute Concert in 2016, an event widely praised as both powerful and deeply healing. NPG keyboardist Morris Hayes, who also served for many years as Prince’s Music Director, was hired by the Prince Estate to music-direct this epic, five-hour celebration honoring the life and legacy of the legendary artist. Hayes brought in many former NPG members to serve as the house band, joined throughout the evening by other Prince alumni and friends. The result was a musical experience that resonated profoundly with audience members from around the world.

Inspired by the overwhelming response to that historic night by performers and audience members alike – that the acclaimed concert had been so exhilarating and inspiring, a core group of former NPG musicians decided to officially reunite.  Their shared intention was clear: to honor their former boss, celebrate his music and help carry the legacy forward.

While the configuration of the band may change somewhat with each tour, keyboardist and MD Morris Hayes is a constant, along with MC/rapper Tony Mosley (a.k.a. “Tony M.”), the acclaimed lead vocalist MacKenzie, and bassist Sonny T, who Prince often referred to as “his hero”.  When Sonny is unavailable due to other commitments, either former NPG bassists Ida Nielsen or Joshua Dunham, or former Revolution bassist Brownmark step in. Former NPG guitarist Mike Scott is most often in the group, saxophonists Kenni Holmen and Keith Anderson alternate tour dates subject to schedules and the band’s drummer is either Chris Bailey (Chaka Khan), Les Cleveland (protégé of former Prince & D’Angelo drummer John Blackwell) or Brandon Commodore (Mint Condition).

Following their inaugural performances at Paisley Park’s Celebration in 2017, the band began touring internationally with a license to use the trademarked name, the New Power Generation and performed with several different guest vocalists along with former NPG MC/rapper Tony M.  And in early 2018, the band found its permanent lead vocalist in the charismatic, soulful and critically acclaimed, MacKenzie. With an extraordinary vocal range and commanding stage presence, MacKenzie quickly won over audiences and critics alike!

When the license to use the New Power Generation name expired at the end of 2022 and the Estate decided it would no longer license the name except on a ‘case by case’ basis, the group changed to performing as “former members of the NPG.”

While the band can – and still does – continue to perform as the “New Power Generation (NPG)” at the Estate’s request or occasionally with permission (most recently in June 2026), they typically perform as “former members of the New Power Generation (NPG)” and not their band name, the Minneapolis Sound Project, even though it does encapsulate the group’s roots with Prince as well as their historic place within the collective of artists who created the Minneapolis Sound.

Their show remains what it has always been: an all-star lineup of former members of the New Power Generation and others from the purple community who share an extensive resume and musical tapestry. They bring with them the same work ethic that they brought to their performances with Prince – shows renowned for their precision, explosive energy, and relentless pace. On reviewer described it as “a non-stop musical kaleidoscope of iconic, chart-topping hits that changed popular music forever.