Prima

Prima is an English VOCALOID developed and distributed by Zero-G Limited, and was released in January 2008 for the VOCALOID2 engine. Prima is advertised as a "virtual vocalist modeled on the voice of a professional soprano opera singer"; her voice provider has never been revealed.

Etymology
The name "Prima" comes from the term "Prima Donna," meaning "first lady." It is an Italian term used to describe the female with the leading role in a theatrical and opera production. It also refers to the one with the most talent, who was usually a soprano singer.

Appearance
Officially, Prima has no character concept. Instead, the photo on the box is an image of a model photographed by Ivan Grlic, who has works submitted to various stock photo websites. An example of the original photograph is here, titled "beauty profile" File#: 1709473

Prima's Taiwan design is loosely based on the Chinese opera house style of costumes. Prima's outfit itself is based on a theatrical representation of an animal, most likely a Huli jing (fox spirit), based on the shape of the "tail" and ears. Her body has an android appearance with visible joint lines.

Relations

 * Tonio; a complementary voice bank with masculine vocals.

Marketing
Prima was one of Zero-G's professionally aimed voicebanks, and as such, her boxart and voice are not aimed at the general VOCALOID fandom. Her boxart is from a stock image. The photographer was bg_knight (Ivan Grlic) who has submitted his work to various stock photo websites. An example of the original is here titled "beauty profile" File#: 1709473, there are other images based on the model, which is currently on the second page, that includes an eyebrow piercing.

After increased interest began to occur in VOCALOIDs and demand rose, Zero-G began reselling LOLA, LEON, and MIRIAM, from their own website via their virtual shop. Prima was also included in the sale, but according to Zero-G, although the three older VOCALOIDs may get a redesign in the future, they feel Prima is fine the way she is, and neither she nor Tonio will receive a revamp.

Trivia

 * Prima, LEON, and LOLA's release dates were celebrated in the "Zero-G Garnet Festival" (also referred to as "ZGF") on Nico Nico Douga. This event celebrates the release of these VOCALOIDs. Various songs were uploaded during this 3 day event.


 * While others from Zero-G are regarded as siblings by SONiKA, the VOCALOID refers to Prima as "Auntie Prima." Despite also referring to Tonio as "Uncle Tonio," SONiKA confirmed that the two are not married, as this was just used as an affectionate term.


 * Prima was the most expensive VOCALOID2 voicebank to be purchased upon her release.


 * Had Prima been released in Spring 2007, she would have been the first VOCALOID2 voice bank released, there is no information on why she was delayed until the following year.