Haitian singer-songwriter and record producer, known as Mikaben, died at age 41 on October 15, 2022, after collapsing on stage during a performance with the group CaRiMi in Paris, France. The cause of his death was a suspected heart attack, and emergency services were unable to revive him. Mikaben was the son of Haitian singer Lionel Benjamin and was well-known for his ability to sing in multiple languages and for his contributions to Haitian music and culture, including his song “Ayti Se” (Haiti is).
Early Life and Career:
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in 1981, Mikaben began writing music at age 15 and studied in Montreal, Canada.
Solo Work and Collaborations:
He released his debut solo album, Vwayaj, in 2000, and later formed the group Krezi Mizik with his cousin. He was a frequent collaborator with the konpa band CaRiMi, contributing to hit songs like “Baby I Missed You”.
Cultural Significance:
Mikaben was a major figure in Haitian music, known for his multi-instrumental talent and for composing songs that captured the spirit of Haiti, such as “Yon Ti Souf Pou Ayiti” (A Little Breath for Haiti), written after the 2010 earthquake.
Languages:
He was a multilingual artist, able to sing in Creole, French, English, and Spanish.
On-Stage Collapse
Event:
Mikaben collapsed on stage at the Accor Arena in Paris while performing with CaRiMi.
Aftermath:
Despite the efforts of emergency personnel, he passed away shortly after. The incident sent shockwaves through the music community and among his fans worldwide.
Survivors
Mikaben was survived by his wife, Vanessa Fanfan, their daughters, and a child from a previous marriage.
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in 1981, Mikaben began writing music at age 15 and studied in Montreal, Canada.
Solo Work and Collaborations:
He released his debut solo album, Vwayaj, in 2000, and later formed the group Krezi Mizik with his cousin. He was a frequent collaborator with the konpa band CaRiMi, contributing to hit songs like “Baby I Missed You”.
Cultural Significance:
Mikaben was a major figure in Haitian music, known for his multi-instrumental talent and for composing songs that captured the spirit of Haiti, such as “Yon Ti Souf Pou Ayiti” (A Little Breath for Haiti), written after the 2010 earthquake.
Languages:
He was a multilingual artist, able to sing in Creole, French, English, and Spanish.
On-Stage Collapse
Event:
Mikaben collapsed on stage at the Accor Arena in Paris while performing with CaRiMi.
Aftermath:
Despite the efforts of emergency personnel, he passed away shortly after. The incident sent shockwaves through the music community and among his fans worldwide.
Survivors
Mikaben was survived by his wife, Vanessa Fanfan, their daughters, and a child from a previous marriage.
