It was to be a party night for Haitian music.
Six years after their separation, the members of Carimi met in the evening at the Accor Arena in Bercy in Paris to celebrate the twenty years of this legendary Haitian group.
But the evening turned tragic.
Mikaben, invited to sing by Camini, had just performed his hit “Ou Pati” in front of 10,000 people, when he felt unwell leaving the stage.
Rescuers arrived quickly on the spot but were unable to resuscitate the singer.
Carimi enters the stage of the Accor Arena in Paris to the cheers of the public.
🎥: @BelkisGaspar pic.twitter.com/vKNPpDgwEK
— TICKET MAGAZINE (@TICKETmaghaiti) October 15, 2022
The concert ended when Mickael Guirand came to announce that the public had to evacuate the room.
"It's very complicated," he said.
“We need prayers”, for Mikaben.
An hour later, despite all attempts, Michael Benjamin was pronounced dead.
Born in 1981 in Port-au-Prince, this son of singer Lionel Benjamin wrote his first song at age 15.
He revealed himself to the general public from a Christmas competition and dabbles in everything: piano, guitar, bass and drums.
Called Mika, then Mikaben, he founded the group Krézi Mizik and participated in Carimi's successes with "Buzz" or "Baby" in 2009 and "I miss you" in 2013.
Mikaben before he died #mikaben #Haiti #carimi pic.twitter.com/47KZqnMzBZ
— Marcus🇭🇹🇺🇸 (@plisou13) October 15, 2022
Fans are in shock on social media and Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry immediately reacted to news of the singer's death.