Port-au-Prince, Haiti – The wave of violence in Haiti has claimed another victim, this time targeting Cheristin Ferdinand, known by his artist name Mass Design. The well-known radio host and cultural figure was attacked by unidentified armed assailants on Sunday afternoon.
Mass Design, whose real name is Cheristin Ferdinand, was a prominent voice in Haitian radio, particularly known for his programs focused on Compas music. A native of the northern region of Haiti, Ferdinand was an alumnus of Lycée Nationale de Pétion-Ville and began his radio career at Radio Maxima in 2008. He later became a popular host on Radio Planet Kreyol, where he hosted the show “An Nou Alez” for four years. His collaboration with Carl Henry Desmornes, the CEO of Radio Planet Kreyol and a founding member of the musical group KDans, was particularly notable.
In 2014 and 2015, Ferdinand transitioned to RFM and Radio Scoop FM. However, he eventually took a break from broadcasting to pursue his aspirations in social work and politics. He ran unsuccessfully in the 2015 legislative elections for the constituency of Sainte-Suzanne under the banner of the OPL party.
On the day of the attack, Mass Design was ambushed by armed men who opened fire on his vehicle. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to Hope Hospital in Delmas 75, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the Haitian media community and beyond. The team at OPAMUSIC and others in the industry have extended their condolences to Ferdinand’s family and friends.
Haiti continues to grapple with a myriad of challenges, including political instability, armed violence, and widespread insecurity. The death of Cheristin Ferdinand adds to the growing list of victims in a country where safety is increasingly uncertain. As the nation mourns another loss, many are left questioning the future stability and security in Haiti, a land of rich history yet currently beset by turmoil.
