Mikaben collapsed on stage at the concert of the Haitian band Carimi on Saturday evening and died unexpectedly. He was 41 years old.
Singer Mikaben, real name Michael Benjamin, performed with Haitian band Carimi in east Paris on Saturday night. As videos on Twitter show, Mikaben suddenly collapsed during the performance in front of 10,000 spectators.
Here soir lors du concert de Carimi, l’un des chanteurs, Michael Benjamin, Mikaben de son nom d’artiste est décédé suite à un malaise survenu sur scène et malgré l’intervention des secours. pic.twitter.com/zHFRuwyiQg
— Accor Arena (@Accor_Arena) October 16, 2022
The rescue workers tried to save the 41-year-old, but any help came too late. Mikaben died that same evening. The cause of death is being investigated and a heart attack is suspected. The concert promoter confirmed the singer’s death on Twitter on Sunday. Mikaben leaves behind a pregnant wife.
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry sends his condolences
Mikaben had been invited by the band Band Carimi to sing his song “Ou Pati”. Carimi was founded in New York in 2001. The band broke up six years ago. The band came together for a single concert last weekend in Paris.
Born in the Haitian capital of Porte-au-Prince, Mikaben was one of the country’s best-known young singers. Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry wrote on Twitter that he was devastated by the death of a very talented artist and ambassador for Haitian music.
[1/2]
Je suis bouleversé par la new de la mort subite du jeune et très talentueux artiste Michael Benjamin “Mikaben”. C’est une grande reference de la musique haïtienne qui vient de s’éteindre.
— Dr Ariel Henry (@DrArielHenry) October 15, 2022