Mikaben: Three Years Since His Voice Was Silenced on Stage

On October 15, 2022, during a concert at the Accor Arena in Paris, the audience's heart stopped for a moment along with that of Michael Benjamin, better known as Mikaben. At 41, this immensely talented Haitian artist tragically left the stage, leaving behind a void that music alone cannot fill. Three years later, on October 15, 2025, Haiti and the music world remember the star who illuminated their sky. Born in 1981 in Port-au-Prince, the youngest of three children and son of singer Lionel Benjamin, Mikaben grew up in a musical world. At just 15, he was already composing his first songs, and at 16, he left for Canada to pursue his studies while continuing to cultivate his passion for music. In the 1990s, he participated in a song contest on Telemax, marking his first public steps on the Haitian scene. His first album, VWAYAJ, released in 2000, brought him nascent recognition, confirmed the following year with the success of Ou Pati, from the album Haïtian Troubadours. In 2004, he released his second solo album MIKA, asserting his unique style and his ability to blend tradition and modernity. In 2005, Mikaben founded the group Krezi Mizik, where he shone as lead singer, while also collaborating with the famous group Carimi. In 2009, he chose to resume his solo career and released several albums, including the highly acclaimed MKBN in 2018. His artistic commitment led him to sign with Warner Music France in 2016, opening the door to international distribution, with tracks like Ti Pam Nan crossing borders. A musical polyglot, Mikaben sang in Creole, French, English, and Spanish, exploring genres such as kompa, reggae, dancehall, and rap. His voice, at once gentle and powerful, carried committed messages about culture, social realities, and the challenges of Haiti. On stage, his charismatic presence and collaborations with local and international artists made him an essential figure in modern Haitian music. Today, three years after his tragic passing, Mikaben remains alive in memories. His music continues to resonate in the hearts of his fans and the young artists he inspired. Concerts, tributes, and cultural events are organized to celebrate his work and remind us that his voice, though gone, continues to echo. Mikaben remains forever a shining star of the Haitian music scene, an artist whose spirit and songs transcend time. Three years after his death, his legacy is more alive than ever: every note, every melody, is a reminder that some voices never truly fade. The editorial team