DJ Princess Katana

By Eric Perry

Princess Katana

Kianna Small, a rising DJ in Buffalo, New York is using her diverse musical talents to unite her community. Known by her stage name, Princess Katana, Kianna is on a mission to redefine what it means to be a female DJ in Buffalo.

 Growing up as a mixed-race individual, Kianna often felt like an outsider. "I didn't fit in with my Black community, my Asian community, or the white community," she explains. "But music was always there for me."

 Whether it was electronic dance music (EDM), hip-hop, or country, Kianna found solace in exploring different genres. She realized that music has the power to transcend boundaries and bring people together, regardless of their background.

 About a year ago, Kianna channeled her passion for music into DJing as a way to cope with personal struggles. "Mixing tracks and seeing people connect through the music became revolutionary for me," she says. "I knew I had to share that experience with others."

 Now, as Princess Katana, Kianna is determined to break down the barriers she's encountered as a female DJ. "Gender has no bearing on one's ability to captivate a crowd," Princess Katana asserts. Through her diverse mixes, which she shares on platforms like SoundCloud and local radio, she aims to challenge preconceptions and prove that music is a universal language.

Beyond her work as a DJ, Kianna is also passionate about using her platform to support mental health awareness. Having struggled with her own mental health challenges, she knows firsthand the healing power of art and creativity.

 "I hope that by being open about my journey, I can inspire others to explore their own artistic outlets and find solace in the transformative power of music," she says.

 As Princess Katana looks to the future, her sights are set on playing at renowned festivals. But, no matter where her DJ journey takes her, she'll always remain grounded in her Buffalo roots, using her voice to bring people together through the universal language of music.