Author: Opastaff
In the wake of the tragic passing of Haitian singer and songwriter Michael “Mikaben” Benjamin in October 2022, his widow, Vanessa Fanfan, has found herself at the center of a growing controversy. While Michael’s sudden death sent shockwaves through the Haitian music community, recent disputes and social media drama involving Fanfan have kept the story in the public eye, stirring both curiosity and concern among fans and observers. Background: Who Was Michael “Mikaben” Benjamin? Michael Benjamin, widely known as Mikaben, was a beloved Haitian artist with a career spanning over two decades. Renowned for his soulful voice and poignant lyrics,…
Ah, Haiti—the Caribbean paradise where the sun shines, the beaches beckon, and the government watches idly as the nation spirals into anarchy. Let’s take a moment to applaud the Haitian authorities for their unparalleled commitment to doing absolutely nothing while gang leaders like Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier turn the country into their personal playgrounds. Gangster’s Paradise: The Reign of Barbecue Jimmy Chérizier, affectionately known as “Barbecue,” has solidified his reputation as Haiti’s most notorious gang leader. His latest claim to infamy? Orchestrating massacres that left over 180 innocent people dead in Port-au-Prince, targeting vulnerable populations, including elderly residents, under the guise…
As 2024 fades into the rearview mirror, most of us hoped the chaos of this political year would die with it. But if the current spectacle in Congress is any indication, 2025 is shaping up to be 2024: The Sequel—complete with fiscal dysfunction, partisan brawls, and, of course, Elon Musk, America’s Unelected President, pulling strings from behind the curtain. The House of Representatives’ recent spending bill, which looked like a legislative Frankenstein’s monster, failed spectacularly, with Elon Musk playing a starring role in its demise. His comments on the bill have exposed a stark anti-poor, anti-worker stance that somehow managed…
As of January 19th, 2025, TikTok, the wildly popular social media platform that has transformed countless lives, will be officially banned in the United States. The platform, which has served as a creative hub for young creators, will no longer be accessible through U.S.-based internet providers. This decision has sparked widespread debate, with questions swirling about the real reasons behind the ban and what it means for the future of digital creativity and competition. TikTok has become more than just an app; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The platform has given rise to countless influencers who have turned their creativity into…
VAYB, one of the most beloved bands in the Haitian music industry, has announced the cancellation of their much-anticipated tour in Haiti. In a press release issued by Good Life Entertainment, the band expressed their deep regret over the decision, citing “circumstances beyond our control” as the primary reason. The cancellation has left fans across the country, from provincial towns to the bustling capital, deeply disappointed. VAYB acknowledged the shared sense of loss, stating, “We know how much the group was eagerly anticipated across the cities of the provinces and the capital; we share your disappointment.” This announcement comes at…
Brace yourselves, America. The McDonald’s McRib is back—starting December 3, 2024. Yes, the boneless pork-like creation, slathered in tangy barbecue sauce, topped with slivered onions and pickles, and cradled by a toasted homestyle bun, is making its triumphant (?) return to participating locations nationwide. But let’s be real: did anyone actually miss it? The McRib is one of those cultural enigmas, much like bell-bottom jeans or the phrase “fetch.” McDonald’s yanks it off the menu for years, then brings it back with all the pomp and circumstance of a royal wedding, expecting us to celebrate like it’s the return of…
As President Joe Biden approaches the final chapter of his presidency, he’s pulled off a move that could easily be described as a “chessmaster’s checkmate” in the game of American equality. In a historic push for representation, Biden has appointed over 65 African American judges to the federal bench, cementing a legacy of diversity and inclusion that his successors might find hard to match. Among these appointees, a significant number are African American women, signaling a deliberate effort to make the judiciary more reflective of the country it serves. President Biden’s judicial appointments are not only remarkable for their sheer…
The Haitian music world is mourning the loss of Serge “Sergo” Laguerre, a master percussionist who dedicated his life to enriching Haitian culture through the art of music. Laguerre passed away on November 20, 2024, at the age of 53, after a prolonged battle with kidney disease. Born in 1971, his decades-long career left an indelible mark on the Haitian Music Industry (HMI), and his passing has left a void in the hearts of many. Laguerre was a true maestro of rhythm, commanding the congas, djembe, bongos, and other percussion instruments with extraordinary skill. His talent and versatility saw him…
Jimmy Cherizier, also known as “Barbecue,” the notorious Haitian gang leader and head of the Revolutionary Forces of the G9 Family and Allies (G9), has made alarming threats against Haitian musicians and water transport workers. Cherizier has warned that any artist who performs in the suburbs instead of in his controlled territory will face deadly consequences. Similarly, he has issued threats to workers delivering water to areas outside his gang’s stronghold, further exacerbating the dire humanitarian crisis in Haiti. These statements come amid escalating violence in the capital, Port-au-Prince, as Cherizier continues to consolidate his influence over large swaths of…
As we approach the end of 2024, it’s impossible not to reflect on what has been a year of revelations in the Haitian music industry and the broader community. When I predicted that this would be a year where truths would come to light, I didn’t anticipate the magnitude or the toxicity of what would unfold. The confessions, scandals, and controversies that have surfaced are staggering. As the year closes, it feels like there’s no end in sight, leaving us to hope for a brighter and less toxic 2025. The Rise of Toxic Conversations The internet, once a space for…