A well-known Haitian singer died on stage as he performed on stage in Paris at Accor Arena.
Mikaben, 41, born Michael Benjamin, performed with Carimi and fell unconscious as he walked backstage. The Guardian reported that Mikaben more than likely suffered from cardiac arrest while in the European country.
Accor Arena announced his death on its official Twitter account.
“Last night during the Carimi concert, one of the singers, Michael Benjamin, Mikaben of his artist name, died following a malaise on stage and despite the intervention of the emergency services.”
Hier 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 Haitian singer stopped mid-song to exit the stage in front of an audience of 20,000 fans. Upon watching Mikaben collapse, the music stopped and medics rushed the stage.
Haitians and fans alike shared the condolences online.
Called “one of the most talented musicians of his generation.”
41 yr old vaxxed and boosted Haitian singer Mikaben collapsed and died suddenly, last night in front of his fans in Paris, after suffering blood clot and cardiac arrest.
~Retardsoftiktok RIP??? pic.twitter.com/l1XuezDBu0— ALM?? (@amylmaclellan) October 16, 2022
R.I.P Legend???#Mikaben pic.twitter.com/YvR1lm8FdD
— TCHOUAMENI
♣️??? (@petit_wood) October 15, 2022
Je suis tombé sur cette vidéo sur TikTok c’est tellement triste… Tellement de petit signe à travers des vidéos partageaient de lui #Mikaben pic.twitter.com/TFLeNLDCSa
— Camille_mille (@Camille_mille9) October 16, 2022
Today the Haitian Community lost a LEGEND ???️? RIP MIKABEN pic.twitter.com/gcETn8RZxd
— Manny Solo (@manny_solo) October 15, 2022
I saw a man die tonight. I also saw a man live tonight. I saw a man who wore his country’s flag until his very last minute with us. As Carlyle said, the courage we desire and prize is not the courage to die decently, but to live manfully. Rest in Power @mikaben ??
— WL (@WesleyLaine) October 15, 2022
We love you brother. @mikaben pic.twitter.com/M2Q9c7aoQy
— Kenny Haiti (@KennyHaiti) October 15, 2022
One minute singing and jumping next minute he’s gone. That’s not how I wanted to leave this concert. Nou pèdi plus ke @mikaben jodia #rip #mikaben ?️ pic.twitter.com/aJtnThCZv2
— Shouldbeme (@Shouldbeme8) October 15, 2022
@mikaben gave his life to Haiti. He carried our flag on his back until his dying breath. At one point before singing you can see he was in deep pain and yet he persevered. It’s almost as if the same flag he was fighting for gave him strength to finish what he began.
??? #Mikaben pic.twitter.com/uDeVeD3yr2
— Bertrhude Albert, Ph.D. (@bertrhude) October 16, 2022
Haitian superstar Wyclef Jean took to Twitter to mourn his fallen compatriot.
“Rest In Peace, King @mikaben Gone too soon #haiti”
Rest In Peace King @mikaben Gone too soon #haiti pic.twitter.com/9pZXum61PS
— Wyclef Jean (@wyclef) October 15, 2022
Prior to his Saturday night performance and heartbreaking death in Paris, Mikaben posted to Instagram.
“Team Tchuiiiip? …. Let me vibe in the house !! ???????
??? #KingSlogan ????”
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In Kreyol, Haiti’s Prime Minster, Dr. Ariel Henry, also addressed the Port-Au-Prince native’s sudden passing.
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Je suis bouleversé par la nouvelle de la mort subite du jeune et très talentueux artiste Michael Benjamin « Mikaben ». C’est une grande référence de la musique haïtienne qui vient de s’éteindre.
— Dr Ariel Henry (@DrArielHenry) October 15, 2022
On October 8, Mikaben took to Instagram to announce an upcoming show, and he shouted out his pregnant wife Vanessa Benjamin.
“My beautiful and Elegant other half @fanfan.vanessa and i, PLUS 1 (chuckles??) at the first episode of Funny Akoustiks at @copa.dtsp ??????”
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Initially, the grieving widow told fans and supporters that she was in no condition to speak via Instagram.
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Vanessa then posted again, writing, “The Benjamin family would like to thank you from the bottom of our heart for the outpouring love and support you have shown us in regards to the sudden departure of our beloved Mikaben. We appreciate your understanding in allowing the family to grieve privately. Many of you have tried to reach out on how to support the family. We will be sending out a statement on how to help. However, we ask that you be a little bit more patient as the family is still processing the current events.”
She continued, “Be aware of fraudulent GoFundMe accounts set up on Mikabens’ behalf. These accounts were not set up or authorized by the family. All communications regarding any announcements, funeral arrangements and support for the family will be provided from Mikabens and Vanessa Fanfan personal media platforms. We appreciate all the words of encouragement and all the personal stories and videos shared to help us through this tough time.
Sincerely,
Mikaben’s family.”
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