HAITI OPEN Winter 2022

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"I realized [Mika] was the love of my life when I tried to leave him and realized I couldn’t go two days without aching for his presence." Vanessa Fanfan Benjamin

Photo by Maybeline Despagne

"Mika loved helping out. He loved being able to participate in projects bigger than himself."

Lionel Benjamin Jr.

Photo by Frederic Dupoux

paske vrèman li se yon egzanp ekstraòdinè, nan mond lan pou jan de moun ke li ye." Mélodie

"Se yon onè pou mwen, se yon fyète pou mwen ke Mika se ti frè mwen

Benjamin

Photo by Frederic Dupoux

"Cependant ta mort ne marque que ta disparition physique. Tu es libéré de ton enveloppe corporelle et tu t’es épanoui, tu te réalises maintenant dans la Lumière. Tu es encore bien vivant auprès de nous par l’amour que tu continues à nous donner à chacun, par tes rêves, par cet idéal que tu nous as légué." Roseline

Benjamin

Photo by Frederic Dupoux

"Donk Michaël pa mouri, li pataka mouri e li pa mouri. Misye te genyen tròp lanmou nan kè’l pou li ta mouri, mwen panse ke misye vwayaje." Lionel Benjamin

Photo by Frederic Dupoux

"Mikaben had music in his DNA. He also was pure love. He loved love, giving love, spreading love, sharing love, teaching love." Karoll-Ann “Kouka” Fanfan

Photo by Maybeline Despagne

"What I will miss the most about Mika is his random texts and calls just to make sure I was good."

Jonathan “J. Perry” Perry

Photo by Maybeline Despagne

"[I will miss] our camaraderie. We spoke every day, most of the time not even to talk about anything serious, just “wassup”. And, of course, the way we always made fun of each other. I have no one to do that with anymore. That was our thing." Olivier “Oliduret”

Duret

Photo by Richard Lecoin

"[I will miss] his genuine friendship. I’m gonna miss that the most. Being able to talk about everything and anything, not only about music. We were brothers."

Serge “Power Surge” Turnier

Photo by Maybeline Despagne

CONTENTS| WINTER 2022

BIOGRAPHY | pg 34

Early Life

Discography

Personal Life

Appraisal

Farewell

FAMILY | pg 40

Roseline Benjamin (Mother)

Lionel Benjamin (Father)

Mélodie Benjamin (Sister)

Lionel Benjamin Jr. (Brother)

Vanessa Benjamin (Wife)

Gabriel Benjamin (Son)

FRIENDS & COLLEAGUES | pg 52

Olivier Duret

Jonathan Perry

Richard Cave

Roberto Martino

Jean Philippe Brierre

Karoll-Ann Fanfan

Alain Lemaire

Atys Evans

Bendino

Christian Surena

Pascalin Smith

Serge Turnier

Samantha Colas

Sandy Dorsainvil

Fatima Altieri

ARTWORKS & POEMS | pg 74

Various Artists

Various Writers

PHOTOS & LYRICS | pg 90

Fleur De Vie Ambassador

11th Anniversary Haiti Earthquake

Ayiti Se...

Tout Lwanj Se Pou Ou

TALK

"It breaks my heart to realize that Leïa will forget and Maïa will never know what it felt like to have him in their lives."

Vanessa Fanfan Benjamin

Photo by Ryann Michelle

JEAN ALFRED DELVA

Editor-in-Chief

Delva@HaitiOpen.com 305-842-3555

Cover MICHAËL BENJAMIN (1981-2022)

Photographer MAYBELINE DESPAGNE @maybelinephotography

Stylist

MARITZA BOUDOIR @maritzaboudoir

Designer

TBOSS REAL FRESH @tboss_real_fresh

Graphic Designer

MENDES CHEVALIER @mendes_1812, 786-267-0108

Proofreader

ALEC ROSS

Layout

MOHAMMAD "MA" ALAUDIN

Photographers:

MAYBELINE DESPAGNE

FREDERIC DUPOUX

RICARDO SAINT-CYR

RYANN MICHELLE

RICHARD LECOIN

Writers:

ALEX POPA

JAMES MENELAS

VANESSA OLISMA

CADET SAINT CHARLES

CHRISSMYRRHE DESRISIERS

JOSIAS JEAN-PIERRE

MARJORY SHEBA

TARAH-LYNN SAINT-ELIEN

GUITO LOUIS

MICHAELLE BELICE

THEMA YVENE

HAROLD BASTIEN

Haiti Representative: PETERSON AGERNORD, PORT-AU-PRINCE +509-3488-2714

IN MEMORY OF MIKABEN A Biography

By Alex Popa & Organized by Jean Alfred Delva

childhood, he learned to play the keyboard, guitar, and drums. He started writing songs when he was 15 years old. The first tune he ever wrote, “Forever Mine,” is still widely appreciated today.

Throughout his formative years, Michaël found inspiration in Afro-Caribbean artists and genres. His musical idols included Bob Marley, Beethova Obas, Beenie Man, and his father, Lionel Benjamin. His efforts to improve as a musician would culminate in his goal of becoming an established artist like his father, keeping his family’s legacy alive.

In 1999, when Michaël was 18 years old, he entered the “Konkou Chante Nwel” Christmas contest, a televised special that aired every December in Haiti. Michaël won fourth place for his performance of “Nweltristès,” a song he wrote for the contest. That same year, he left Haiti to attend the Collège Français, a private school in Montréal, Canada. He continued to hone his musical skills. In 2000, he released “Vwayaj,” his first album, recorded and produced in Montreal by Marco Volcy. The album included the first official release of his famous song “Ou Pati,” which he would perform often in the years to come.

DISCOGRAPHY

Name of Project Project Type Year Comment

Forever Mine Single 1996 First song ever written

Nwèl tristès Single 1999 Song written for for “Konkou Chante Nwel” on Telemax.

Vwayaj Album 2000 First album released, and the first official release of the song “Ou Pati.”

Haitian Troubadour Album 2002 Contains a re-released version of “Ou Pati.”

Mika Album 2004

Michaël Benjaminwas born on June 27, 1981, in Port au Prince, Haiti. He was the third child of Lionel and Roseline Benjamin and a younger brother to Mélodie Benjamin and Lionel Benjamin Jr. At the time of Michaël’s birth, his father was an established musical artist known as the “Père Noël” of Haiti. His mother worked as a psychologist in Port-au-Prince.

As a child, Michaël attended Peter Pan Kindergarten, a school in Haiti’s capital. Later, he would attend the elementary school CoursPrives Colette Millet and Saint-Louis de Gonzague Delmas, a high school in Portau-Prince. Like many young boys, Michaël enjoyed after-school sports and other extracurricular activities. However, his passion for music took precedence, and he dedicated most of his free time to the hobby.

Michaël was introduced to music at age six, when his father bought the family a piano— one of Michaël’s first instruments. Of the three children in the family, Michaël was the quickest to develop a deep interest in art. Later, he would ask his father to teach him how to play the guitar.

His passion for music soon solidified, and Michaël continued to build his repertoire of skills. Throughout his

Ayiti San Manti Album 2006 Collaboration with Krezi Mizik.

Fanm sa Move Single 2009 Collaboration with Carimi.

Atis Lokal pap janm lague Album 2010

Fete Noël Single 2012 Collaboration with Oli Duret.

Baby I missed you Single 2013 Collaboration with Carimi.

Nou se Caribbean Single 2015 The official song for the 2015 Caribbean Festival of Arts in Haiti.

Champion Album 2016 Mikaben participated in writing and producing the album for Kaï.

Rendez-vous Album 2016 Collaboration with Darline Desca, Richard CAVE, P-Jay, and Princess Eud.

Afro Nwèl Single 2017

MKBN Album 2018

Se sitem nan ki blo Single 2019 Collaboration with K-Dilak.

Fake Love Single 2019 Collaboration with Solara and GA3TAN.

Fe Lapli Single 2021

Mwen Pare Single 2021 Collaboration with Valérie Laréna

Tout Lwanj Se Pou Ou Single 2022

Tizè’w Single 2022 Collaboration with T-Vice.

Validé Single 2022 Collaboration with Walshy Fire, Ir Sais, Tribal Kush, and J Perry.

Mom Roseline & Mika

According to Jean Philippe Brierre, also known by his artist name Pipo Beat, that beloved classic has a rich history. In a previous interview with Haiti Open, Jean Philippe revealed that “Ou Pati” was co-written in 1996, when JeanPhilippe and Michaël were still in high school and growing as artists. Four years later, “Ou Pati” reached a wider audience via Mikaben’s first official album. The song was an instant success and sold more than 70,000 copies the year of its release, a record for any upand-coming Haitian artist. “Ou Pati” immediately caught the attention of the Haitian producer Fabrice Rouzier, who would later help Michaël re-release his song in the album “Haïti Troubadour.”

In September 2009, Mikaben left Krezi Mizik to revive his solo career. In the same year, he featured in the single “Fanmsa Move,” part of Carimi’s 2009 album “Buzz.” The single’s success sparked further collaborations between Mikaben and Carimi. In 2013, the Konpa band and Mikaben would put out their biggest hit yet, “Baby I Missed You.”

The song made it into the local US music charts in the year of its release, and the official music video currently has over 10 million views on YouTube. In 2016, Mikaben signed a licensing and distribution agreement with Warner Music France that helped consolidate his stardom in the international music market. In July of the same year, Mikabenunveiled his official YouTube channel, which has garnered over 18 million views to date.

“Vwayaj” put Mikaben on the map, but his breakthrough came in 2004 with the release of his second album, “Mika,” which enjoyed similar success in Canada. In 2006, the album was re-released in France under the independent African music label “Lusafrica.” Thanks to his first two major hits and growing popularity, Mikaben would go on to perform at the annual music festival “Les Francofolies” for the first time.

A year after the release of “Vwayaj”, Mikaben returned to Haiti to work on other musical projects. In 2005, he joined forces with his cousin David Dupoux to form a Konpa group called Krezi Mizik. The group released the album “Ayiti San Manti” in 2006, which they would later perform on tours in the US, Canada, France, Belgium, and the Antilles.

In 2018, the artist released his final album, “MKBN.” He toured and promoted it in Haiti and the US. Beyond his solo albums, his discography contains multiple successful collaborations with artists including T-Vice, J. Perry, Olivier Duret, Alan Cave, Stanley Georges, Leila Chicot, Kreyol La, Bélo, Izolan, and Wesli Band, among others. Between 2019-2022, Mikaben released several hit singles that amassed millions of views and made it onto Top 100 charts worldwide. His most popular releases included “Fake Love,”“Fe Lapli,”“Mwen Pare,” and “Validé.”

Ou Pati - single - 1996

Mika - album - 2004

Mikaben - CARIMI

MKBN - album - 2018

Marriages and kids

Michaël Benjamin was not only a beloved singer but also a husband, father, and man of faith. He and his wife, Vanessa Benjamin (formerly Vanessa Fanfan), married on November 14, 2020, two years after they met at a mutual friend’s birthday party. One year into their marriage, the couple welcomed their first child, Leïa. In late 2022, Michaël’s wife announced she was pregnant with their second daughter, Maïa. The artist also had a son, Gabriel Benjamin, from a previous marriage to Anne-Catherine Richard.

When Vanessa Benjamin speaks of her life with Mika, she recalls a caring, loving, and attentive husband and an incredibly dedicated father. One of his favorite activities at home was his special bedtime routine with Leïa. Mikaben also shared his passion for music with his family, and singing together was a common pastime in the household. The artist occasionally offered his fans a sneak peek into his family life by sharing joyful and heartwarming moments with his wife and daughters. On December 20, 2021, he uploaded a joint performance with them on his official YouTube channel, “Mikaben.” The wholesome video shows Mikaben, Vanessa, and Leïa smiling and having fun together as they sing an acoustic cover of the artist’s popular song “FèLapli.”The video has received almost half a million views.

Michaël and Vanessa tackled multiple projects together, including the launch of an online store dedicated to their daughters that promotes self-love and positivity for little children. Vanessa says family life was a top priority and a transformative experience for Michaël. The artist strived to give his best not only in the studio, but also to his loved ones. He used this opportunity to improve himself in all areas of his life and set a positive example for his children. The same year Leïawas born, Michaël launched the nonprofit foundation “Ti-Souf,” a personal project he hoped would bring joy and support to children in Haiti. The artist had previously participated in other charitable work in his free time and joined non-profits like Fleur de Vie, which aimed to support education initiatives and earthquake relief for children in Haiti.

Roseline, Lionel, Melody, Lionel Jr

Father, mom, brother, and sister

Michaël’s father, Lionel Benjamin, is still a Haitian cultural icon known as the “Père Noël haïtien” thanks to his popular Christmas songs. In December 2020, Mikaben worked on a collaborative project, an album called “Abdenwèl,” to pay tribute to his father and biggest inspiration. The project included more than 50 artists consisted of remixes of Lionel Benjamin’s most popular Christmas songs. When announcing his project on his official Facebook page, Mikaben wrote that the tour was “born out of love and respect for our dad.”

Michaël’s mother, Roseline Benjamin, is a psychologist in Haiti, and her work greatly influenced Michaël’s outlook on life. Vanessa says Roseline was always a big proponent of her son’s message of self-love and love for others. Even after his passing, his mother continues his work on peace committees through organized weekly seminars.

In a 2022 interview withLunion Suite, Mikaben credited his values and drive in life to his upbringing.“In Haiti, I’ve always been an activist. I’ve always been very verbal, like an open book. I was raised with character and always do the right thing.” This wasn’t the only time the artist spoke publicly about his appreciation for his family. When announcing his 2020 Christmas collection on Faceboook, he concluded his post by saying, “Family will always be first. The love between us always takes first place, and lifting each other up is what we do.”

Michaël had a good relationship not only with his parents but also with his older siblings. Lionel Benjamin Jr. shared the same passion for music and noticed Michaël’s talent and dedication early on. Through the years, Lionel Jr. supported his brother’s music projects and endeavors and eventually became his manager. In an interview with Haiti Open, Lionel Jr. mentioned he was always protective but also proud of his brother.

Mélodie Benjamin followed in her mother’s footsteps and became a psychologist and peace mediator. She left home early to start her own family. In an interview with Haiti Open, she said that despite their age difference, she and Mikaben were always close and supportive of each other. In 2020, Mélodie joined Mikaben for his “Abdenwèl” collection and featured in the songs “NwelEntenasyonal” and “Noel Enfin.” Today, beyond her support for Mikaben’s career, she also plans to continue his advocacy projects in Haiti. “Mikaben was a wise person with an extraordinary spiritual intelligence,” she says.

Vanessa, Gabriel, Leila, Mika

Friends & Colleagues

Numerous influential figures from the international Haitian community have spoken about their friendship with Mikaben and their heartbreak after his death. A few of them participated in interviews with Haiti Open and allowed the magazine to publish their parting thoughts.

Alain Lemaire, an award-winning chef and Food Network contestant, was an childhood friend of the star. “One thing I can tell you about Mika is that he was very passionate. He was always looking forward to sharing and gaining knowledge.”

Bendino Camilo, Mikaben’s main stylist and international coordinator, worked with the artist for most of his career. He described the icon as a “down-to-earth guy, hardworking, and altruistic” and “a genius, the most talented Haïtian musician.”

Mikaben also enjoyed decades-long friendships with fellow musicians Christian Surena, Jean Philippe Brierre, Jonathan Perry, Olivier Duret, Pascalin Smith, and Serge Turnier, with whom he wrote and performed on multiple occasions. His collaborators unanimously lauded the singer as a talented artist and a selfless, loyal friend. They are unanimous in saying that Mikaben played a crucial role in uplifting fellow Haitian artists. Beyond music, Mikaben also supported fellow entrepreneurs and ambassadors, including plussize fashion creator Karoll-Ann Fanfan; the TV host, entrepreneur, and activist Samantha Colas; and relief program facilitator Sandy Dorsainvil. Each told Haiti Open the musician was passionate about his charitable work and fought to support Haitians at home and abroad. He was an ambassador for multiple small-scale indie businesses and a huge supporter of fundraisers. “He loved spreading love and teaching love,” says Fanfan. “The mission he gave himself to get ‘droit d’auteur’ for Haitian artists was admirable. He was the most unselfish human being one could ever meet.”

APPRAISAL & LEGACY

For over two decades, Mikaben’s versatility stood out on the international music scene. The artist released a wide collection of songs in various genres and languages. Mikaben performed in English, Creole, French, and occasionally in Spanish. His musical repertoire included konpa, zouk, reggae, dancehall, R&B, and hip-hop. His lyrics often touched on themes including love, faith, and patriotism. The artist used his popularity and art to speak about important world issues. After the disastrous earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010, Mikaben recorded his song “Ayti Se,” which he later performed in front of former US president Bill Clinton. The same year, he wrote the song “Yon TiSouf Pou Ayiti,” an emotional piece dedicated to the Haitian community. In a show of appreciation, the Haitian Chamber of Commerce offered Mikaben an award for his “outstanding performance and dedication to excellence and his exceptional talent” at the end of 2021. Similarly, many influential figures in the Haitian community have

applauded the artist’s talent and dedication to art and humanitarian causes and hope the musician will inspire multiple generations to come.

After Mikaben’s passing, Haiti’s prime minister Ariel Henry shared his condolences on Twitter. “I’m shocked by the sudden death of the young and very talented artist Michaël Benjamin ‘Mikaben.’ We have lost a major figure in Haitian music.”

Other public figures echoed similar sentiments. Haitian musician and actor Wyclef Jean told the Miami Herald in an interview that he viewed Mikaben as “one of the most influential and inspirational young artists of our generation.” The largest Haitian culture and entertainment company, “L’union Suite,” also tweeted on the same day: “The Haitian community worldwide has lost one of its most loving and talented creatives!”

Other young and rising Haitian artists have honored Mikaben’s wide-reaching influence in the community. Soon after the musician’s death, young Haitian writers and graphic artists published artwork in his name. Awardwinning painter Nixon Leger dedicated an oil painting to him in October 2022, and Haitian painter Romulus Dieuseul created two commemorative pieces.

Olivier Arsene Ganthier, a young Haitian neo-pop artist, also worked on a large-scale graffiti project dedicated to the singer. The piece is located inMikaben’s hometown, Portau-Prince, and serves as a monument for those mourning his death. After the work was finished, locals gathered to leave flowers in memory of the artist. Tarah-Lynn SaintElien, an editor at the Cosmopolitan, also published a short essay lauding Mikaben’s positive message and his patriotic songs. She and many fellow Haitians have felt inspired and emboldened by the singer’s positivity and dedication.

Award-winning and best-selling authors Josias JeanPierre and Marjory Sheba dedicated poems to the artist. In her poem, “On the Parting of Angels,” Marjory Sheba speaks about the need for Haitians to carry on Mikaben’s message and support for the community. Jean-Pierre’s poem, “Everything About You,” hits a similar note as the writer exalts Mikaben’s inspiring message of hope and collective effort.

Wyclef x Mika

Since the artist’s death, online searches for his music have more than doubled. In the days following October 15, 2022, local radio stations and venues played his music on repeat as a tribute to the singer. His fans launched a collective effort to help the artist win his first YouTube Creator Award. The channel quickly grew to over 140,000 subscribers and received a coveted Silver Play Button. Currently, the artist’s official Spotify page has more than 41,000 monthly listeners.

Moving forward, Mikaben’s family and label plan to pick up where the artist left off. Mikaben’s brother and manager, Lionel Benjamin Jr., plans to keep the artist’s social media updated with news about the artist’s foundation and music releases. On December 4, 2022, Mikaben’s team uploaded a finished version of his final song, “Tout Lwanj Se Pou Ou.” The lyrics video was viewed almost half a million times in the first two months after its upload.

HIS PASSING

Michaël Benjamin’s untimely death on October 15, 2022, during his concert at the Accor Arena in Paris. The artist put on a thrilling performance, but the audience’s shock, he collapsed on stage due to a cardiac arrest. His death minutes later left fans, family members, colleagues, and friends with heavy hearts.

The event was all the more distressing since the artist had shown no prior symptoms of ill health. Before the concert, Mikaben took to Instagram to express his excitement and thank his million-plus followers for their love and support, ending his message with a smile. After he fainted on stage, he received prompt medical attention and was quickly brought to a hospital. However, despite the doctors’ efforts, Michaël passed away that evening at the age of 41.

Soon after the news broke out, fan tributes, prayers, and support started pouring in for Michaël Benjamin’s family. His wife, Vanessa Benjamin and Michaël’s parents, siblings, and close friends gathered together to organize a celebration of life event in memory of the artist. The tribute event took place at the Miramar Cultural Center on Sunday, November 6, 2022.

Many influential members of Florida’s Afro-Caribbean community reached out to support the event, including Oliver Duret, Karol-Ann Fanfan, Guy Francois, Johnbern Thomas, Richard Cave,and Harold St. Louis, among others. The attendees came together to commemorate the artist and share their condolences and parting thoughts with the family. Terry Louis, a key promoter of the event, told the Miami Herald that guests also left roses and letters at the Little Haiti Memorial Living Wall as a final symbolic gesture.

Michaël Benjamin remains an important influence in Haiti’s music history and is collectively remembered as a soulful artist with incredible talent and a golden heart. Words of appreciation for his work, kindness, and generosity still echo among his fans and loved ones. His family and colleagues hope to keep his legacy and positive influence alive and plan to finish his unreleased projects and continue supporting his advocacy initiatives.

According to his brother, Lionel Benjamin Jr., Mikaben still has a lot of music to offer the world. Some of his unreleased recordings and songs will go to other artists. Multiple musicians have voiced their desire to help keep Mikaben’s music alive. Among them, Christian Surena, former collaborator and friend of Mikaben’s, has revealed he’s actively working with Mikaben’s team and family on future releases.

Since his passing, Michaël’s family has continued the mission of his non-profit “Ti-Souf.” The foundation has already made considerable donations to a school in Canaan and helped to feed over 500 people in Meyotte. Ti-Souf plans to expand its charitable works even more in 2023. Mikaben’s mother and father reached out to the public in a heartfelt message, saying, “Let’s visualize a Haiti evolving in peace and love. Let’s work together to make it happen, as Mika wished for, during his life on earth.”

Haiti Open has also stepped forward to support the artist’s family and his life’s work. The entirety of the pre-order proceeds from the magazine’s tribute issue will be donated to Michaël Benjamin’s estate and his humanitarian foundation.

GABRIEL BENJAMIN (Son)

What’s your favorite memory of your dad?

Every single memory with my dad is my favorite. He was always happy and knew how to cheer me up when I was down.

Did you ever work with Mikaben? If so, what did you guys work on and how was it received?

My dad and I worked on many projects together. It’s one of the multiple ways we bonded. It was truly amazing to spend this time with him. In the booth, he didn’t look like he was working. It was like a work of art. We were having fun, smiling and laughing. Most times we were at the studio or at home, when we would just jot down things for future songs.

What did you like about Mikaben as an artist?

I liked that even though he was Mikaben, everywhere else he was still able to be Michael Benjamin with me. I also liked how he was always smiling.

Do you have a favorite Mikaben song? If so, why that song?

My favorite song is Je Femen, but I like all his songs. I’m proud of him.

How does it feel to know you’re the son of a legend?

Being the son of Michael Benjamin is the most amazing feeling in the world.

What will you miss the most about your father?

Absolutely everything, from the way he made me feel to simply seeing him and being with him.

If you could’ve told Mikaben something before his death, what would you have said?

“Je t’aime, papa.”

Roseline Benjamin (Mother)

The mother’s speech at Mika’s celebration of life

Miramar, FL, October 6th, 2022

Ton départ pour l’au-delà, dans le royaume de la lumière où tu te trouves déjà, m’obligera, nous obligera tous à passer à travers une grande douleur. Cette douleur est la mienne, celle de Lionel, de Tilion, de Mélodie, de Vanessa, de ses enfants Gabriel, de Leïa et aussi de Maïa qui ne connaitra pas son papa.

Ce sera aussi la douleur de chacun des membres de tes familles immédiates, de tes amis proches, celle des musiciens, de tous tes fans à travers tous les pays du monde.

Nous éprouvons cette douleur parce que nous étions tous très attachés à toi, à cette personne attachante que tu as été de ton vivant par ta joie de vivre, ta générosité, ton amour pour la vie. La blessure que cause ton départ

nous fait à tous très mal et nous prendrons le temps de faire notre deuil.

Nos liens avec toi demeureront à tout jamais à travers ces rêves, ces projets que tu as glissés dans nos cœurs pour ta famille immédiate, pour la musique, tes projets sociaux etc…,

Je suis si triste de ton départ.

Cependant, Dieu me donne et me donnera la force de supporter ton absence à travers ton amour et celui que nous recevons de nos amis et à travers ces nombreux messages quotidiens dont nous sommes chacun de nous comblés!

Ma force à moi me vient particulièrement des dernières conversations que nous avons eu régulièrement toi et moi au cours de ces derniers mois où tu m’exprimais ta souffrance, ta colère par rapport à toutes les injustices de ce monde dont tu étais profondément conscient : la situation de notre pays, la méchanceté des messages circulant à travers les réseaux sociaux, l’inexistence d’un système de droits d’auteur privant les artistes haïtiens d’une richesse à laquelle ils ont droit. Tu me disais tout le temps : manman, dwa dotè k ap rapòte ayiti plis lajan pase tourism wiii. !!!

Tu as mordu la vie à pleine dents. Tu avais des conversations animées, passionnées, sans fin avec plusieurs personnes sur chacun de ces sujets. Et tu te sentais impuissant à réaliser tes idéaux.

Mais je sais qu’aux derniers jours de ta vie tu avais atteint une certaine sérénité. Tu avais clairement défini les actions que tu avais à accomplir et tu t’étais libéré quelque peu de ce sentiment d’injustice qui te ravageait.

Je sais qu’un des projets qui, comme moi, te tenaient le plus à cœur était qu’Haïti retrouve la paix. Nous avions commencé toi et moi à élaborer un programme grandiose d’éducation pour la paix avec la CMPC dont tu étais et est encore le parrain. Nous étions en train de planifier des séances de travail avec

les membres de cette communauté et Martine Libertino conceptrice de ces programmes. Sache que j’irai au bout de ce plan d’action.

Tu n’es pas mort Mika

Parce que nous pouvons découvrir un sens à notre perte

Tu n’es pas mort Mika

Parce que nous avons déjà, plusieurs d’entre nous, des actions concrètes à poser pour perpétuer ton existence

Tu n’es pas mort Mika

Parce que tu nous as laissé un des héritages les plus grandioses qu’un être humain ait légué à des générations futures et dont nous n’avons pas fini de découvrir la richesse

Tu n’es pas mort Mika

Parce que ta mission n’est pas terminée

Et je suis convaincue que, Dans la Lumière où tu baignes maintenant tu accompagneras chacun de nous par rapport au rôle qu’il aura à jouer pour aller au bout de tes ideaux Mika, par-dessus tout, je t’aime

Cependant ta mort ne marque que ta disparition physique. Tu es libéré de ton enveloppe corporelle et tu t’es épanoui, tu te réalises maintenant dans la Lumière. Tu es encore bien vivant auprès de nous par l’amour que tu continues à nous donner à chacun, par tes rêves, par cet idéal que tu nous as légué.

Lionel Benjamin (Father)

The father’s speech at Mika’s celebration of life

Miramar, FL, October 6th, 2022

Pou mwen pale de Mikael, Depi li piti vrèman li toujou nan mizik, Li toujou avèk mwen e se pa li menm sèlman ni Tilionel tou. Chak fwa mwen fè yon mizik mwen te rele vini tande, Mwen fin fè yo tande li paske m nan piblisite lè sa, Mwen te konn fè de Jungle pou de pwodwi e men gen yon bagay ke mwen te konprann lè ou fè yon jungle pou yon pwodwi kèlkonk, Ou fè de timoun tande li e si timoun tande li konnen li ap mache. Gen anpil ki pa konnen sa, Misye te tujou di yon bagay, misye te toujou di fè plis kòb ke papa li.

Men mwen pale nou de kounye a se pou’m pale nou un peux de fristasyon ke misye te genyen. Misye te kont lenjistis e lè nou ap pale de bagay dwa otè sa, Nou te seye mwen menm avèk yon group, Yon lòt jenerasyon avèk Ansi Derose nou te fè yon bagay ki rele anasim pou nou te rezoud poblèm dwa otè nou pa’t janm reyisifè li rive nan bout.

Gen yon lè Mika leve nan kò’m li di papa fòk nou fè li, Mwen di misye bon pa gen poblèm epi misye lage kòl ladan, Epi misye lè li ap fè ton bagay li mete enèji ladan pou li fè li. Mwen pale Misye tou paske Misye se patnè mizik mwen, Nou fè 2,3 mizik ansanm, Mwen montre li de teknik pou lè li bezwen kèk mo. E gen yon bagay mwen toujou di souvan nan radyo,Lè Mika ÀYITI SE `Mwen di mika avèk mizik sa ou fè an, Kounya

mwen ka konsidere kòm yon gran konpozitè Ayisyen.

Gen anpil moun lè yo ap tande izik la, yo rele’m yo di’m ou kwè se pa ou ki fè mizik sa? Mwen di non se pa mwen, Yo pa konnen ke Mikael depi piti, tankou tout ti moun mwen yo tou nou te ede yo pou yo li depi lè yo pati. Misye te gen vokabilè, Misye te lekòl, Misye te gen bon nòt nan disètasyon, Malgre chak ane yo te rele pou vini di’m ke yo ap mete li deyò lekol la,Chak fwa nou rive nan lekòl lan Sait Louis nou mande eske misye se yon move elèv? Eske misye pa konn etidye? yo di’m non, Mwen di Misye manke profeè respè ? to di mwen non. Mwen mande kisa li genyen? Yo di’m misye bouje tròp touttan misye ap bouje nan klas lan bagay etc.

Bon yo di’m nap analize sa blabla blabla chak ane yo rele nou se te menm bagay lan yo di nou y’ap mete li deyò, Finalamn li fini fè klas li Saint Louis, Men depi li piti efektivman mwen konn misye te gen yon talan ekstraòdinè, Misye te bon nan tout sa li tap fè an tèm de mizik. Misye te bon nan RNB, Misye te bon rap, Misye te bon nan fristal, misye te bon nan reaggae, misye te bon nan konpa.

Youn nan bagay ke mwen te mande misye fè ke li manye anpil, M’te di misye mizik rasin yo m’ta renmen ou fè on ti rantre ladan yo ? Misye di ah papa mwen fè kanaval. Mwen di misye se pa menm bagay. Kanaval ak Mizik rsin se pa menm bagay la. Men yo te konn kritike misye paske yo kon di li gen tròp bagay li ap manyen an menm tan , mwen di misye pa okipe yo yo te di’m sa tou.

Paske lè yyon mizisye ap konpoze mizik ou pa di ou pral fè yn reggae oubyen mwen pral fè yon konpa mizik la vin jwenn ou, anfèt se konsa ye. Lè mizik lan vini nan tèt ou ou prèske konnen egzateman kim ke ou pral mete nan mizik la.

M’te gen yon privilèj mwen fè yon (32 èm) trantdezyèm mizik nwèl kote

Mika Chante dènye kouplè an sou li, anvan li pati an, Nou ap soti li nan fen ane a.

Se yon mizik ke nou ekri depi nan mwa jiyè on bagay konsa, Men lè’m

rive mwen te ale pase kèk jou lakay li mwen pa’t konnen si se dènye fwa mwen ta prale wè li, Nou fè tan nou ap pale anndan machin nan nou bay kont blag nou, nou pale de mizik li te ap fè pou madanm li ki potko fini, Misye se yon nèg mwen pa di ki konplike men se yon nèg ki pèfeksyonis anpil, misye di’m li bezweb yon mo ki fini an EOI.

Li di papa mwen bezwen youn tankou melodi, teori n bagay konsa, Mwen di misye poze li di’m non li pa bon. Nou te travay mwen chèche de mo mwen fè yon lis de mo epi misye chwazi sa li bezwen an, ki plis chita nan sa i vle fè a, Li voye mizik la ban

ke yo pa konnen yo wè misye fè yon kanpe epi li bese tèt li, Yo di’m depi lè sa misye pat bon, li pat santi li byen. Men sa yo pa konnen chak fwa Mikaël ap monte sou sèn anvan li monte nèt li lapriyè.

Mwen kwè misye te priye avan li moute stage lan, Ou konnen sa mwen di tèt mwen, Il est bien parti, Misye byen ale. Misye pati nan yon moman kòmsi ‘m ta di ‘w la porte est Rose de gloire, Limyè Misye te kontan e gen yon bagay yo di’m mwen bezwen verifye, Sanble pandan misye ap rive sou stage lan li di : << AYITI SA SE POU .>> Misye te tèlman renmen peyi a se yon bagay enkwayab, Men’m kwè tou misye pran sa de mwen menm ak manmanm li ki viv an Ayiti jis ka prezan, Nou pa kite peyi a, nou renmen peyi an e timoun mwen yo mwen toujou esplike yo pou yo renmen peyi an paske peyi an se yon peyi ekstraòdinè, Ayiti se yon peyi mistèrye, Ayiti se yon bèl peyi, Pi bèl peyi ki genyen nan mond lan.

E mwen menm avèk manman li nou prale fè tout sa ke nou konnen pou nou reyalize tout projè ke misye te genyen pou li sou plan sa.

mwen li poko fini, Mwen mande li poukisa ou pa fini mizik la, li di m bon li prèske fini wi papa mwen gen melodi an mwen prale fini mizik lan mwen va voye bay vanesa.

Bon sa te frape mwen lè misye ekri mizik sa ki rele I found the one nan. Donk Michaël pa mouri, li pataka mouri e li pa mouri. Misye te genyen tròp lanmou nan kè’l pou li ta mouri, mwen panse ke misye vwayaje. E fòk mwen di nou ke jou misye pran avyon li ap pati, Mwen ap fè yon retrospeksyon m’ap re wè sa li te di an mwen di kèt ! Misye ekri By By la familia je m’en vole vers mes rêvés. Mwen pat ka konprann sa li t’ap di a e misye te voye di Ti Lion tou avan li monte sou stage la mwen pral boule sèn nan. Wi, Men misye te gen yon enèji, Misye te gen yon Enèji nan kò li, nan mizik li yon yon pasyone. E gen anpil moun ki wè lè misye ap monte stage la se petèt yon aspè de Mikaël

Nan rout nou te ap fè de Tampa a Miami an, Misye te ap fè’m tande yon pakèt bagay, tanzantan li pran yon bagay papa koute sa , Misye bon anfen, Mwen te konn ap pale souvan ak misye de ekstratèrès de bagay dròl bon, Bon kounya mwen kwè misye gen repons ak tout sa li te ap chèche.

Alò nou ap le de Mika men mwen ta renmen felisite Tilionel ak Melody epi Guerda ke nou pa konnen trò byen tou.

Mwen remèsye nou tout ki la pou omaj ke nou vii rann misye an, mwen panse li merite li. Sèl bagay mwen swete lè’m tounen Ayiti va gen lanmou mwen wè ki te gen nan peyi an pou misye, pou yo ap fè omaj pou li tout kote, Mwen ta renmen ke vibrasyon pozitif sa ede peyi nou an soti nan sa li ye an. Mèsi !!!!

Yon lòt pi gro bravo pou tonton nwèl nwa Lionel et Roseline Benjamin, Yon bravo ki ap rete avèk yo pou tout tan ki ap bayo lanmou,ki ap bayo kouraj pou Michaël Benjamin.

Donk Michaël pa mouri, li pataka mouri e li pa mouri. Misye te genyen tròp lanmou nan kè’l pou li ta mouri, mwen panse ke misye vwayaje.

Mélodie Benjamin (Sister)

The sister’s speech at Mika’s celebration of life

Miramar, FL, October 6th, 2022

Nou te toujou ap fè blag sou ou mika, ke ou fèt a kwaf, ke ou toujou gen yon zanj avèk ou, menm manman m te konn ap di Bondye te sitirè Mika. (Paske Mika te toujou ap bliye yon bagay yon kote, Kite passport li dèyè, Kite kòb li trenen, Kite yon bagay dèyè men li te toujou jwenn li.)

Men se kounye a map konprann se li menm ki te zanj lan. Se pou sa ke tout bagay sa yo tap rive.

Mika ou te youn nan moun ki gen kè pi pure ke mwen kwaze nan lavi m.

Se yon onè pou mwen, se yon fyète pou mwen kapab di ke Mika se ti frè mwen paske vrèman li se yon egzanp ekstraòdinè, nan mond lan pou moun ke li ye.

Laj pa vle di anyen. Menmsi se te ti frè mwen, Men se yon moun ki te vrèman saj, Ki te tèlman genyen yon entèlijans spirityèl extraòdinè. Limyè ki tap shine andan li te just too much, Li pat gen plas ankò, li pat kapab kenbe li ankò.

Mwen asepte ke li pa gen plas li ankò nan mitan nou, Plas li se anlè a avèk limyè an, se sa li vreman merite. Men Mika ap kontinye viv nan mwen menm jan li ap kontinye viv nan nou lè nou chèche pou nou swiv egzanp li.

Premyèman chèche Bondye, nan jan pa nou, paske Mika pat gen anyen li te fè pou li pat mete Bondye an premye. Renmen moun, Mika pat janm sou blòf si li te di nou li te renmen nou, se te vre, li pat nan ipokrizi.

Konn poukisa nou la sou tè a Mika te gen on gran sans de kiyès li

ye, Misyon ke li genyen de kisa ke li kapab pote pou lòt moun.

Travay, travay, travay san ou pa janm retire je ou sou kote ou prale a Mika te travay anpil.

Renmen fanmi w, Mika te renmen fanmi li anpil li te respekte tout moun, Li se yon egzanp pou tout papa.

Renmen peyi ou, se la kòd lonbrit ou soti.

Dènye mesaj mwen santi ke Mika kite, pou mwen an patikilye, se Kwè nan pouvwa ou genyen ou menm antanke moun pou kapab kreye pwòp reyalite pa ou, Nou te gen anpil konvèzasyon sou sa e li kite kèk videyo pou mwen ke mwen poko gade, Men mwen prale gade yo, pou mwen konnen mwen se kapitèn bato mwen je suis le maitre de ma destinée.

E mesaj li te kite pou mwen tou se te: lè ou ap fè yon bagay, GO BIG.

Mika, you are one of the biggest here on this plane of consciousness, you left big, You left us big lessons and projects and we will live up to your greatness, I know you are even bigger now, Where you have no limits.

Our love will always keep us together.

Mika se lanmou Jodi a li ajenou devan bondye pou nou aprann renmen pou nou sispann goumen. Mèsi.

Lionel “TiLion” Benjamin Jr. (Brother) Q&A

MIKA’S PASSING

How did you first hear about Mika’s collapse?

I received a call from Fito to tell me that Mika had collapsed on stage. I didn’t understand what was going on, but I did not expect that he had left us.

How was it like managing the logistics for the two celebrations of life for Mika?

It could have been overwhelming, given the short amount of time and the circumstances, however, a group of friends/collaborators came

Any folks you’d like to acknowledge who helped during those events?

through for us and made everything easier. The support we received was extraordinary. And we are very grateful for their contribution.

Anything you’d like to say about the reception for both events?

I feel that all was done in a manner that would have made Mika proud. He received so much love and respect from everyone. I appreciated all the messages and testimonies. Most importantly, something very dear to Mika’s heart happened in Miami, which is all these artists collaborating around him, putting any conflict aside for the love of music and to honor and love him.

There are so many people who helped, everyone on the staff, the venues, and the people working in the venues themselves, the musicians, family, and friends. To be honest, there are so many people that I would rather not start acknowledging. It would fill the entire magazine and I would not want to forget anyone.

YOUR BROTHER’S KEEPER

What’s your earliest fond memory of Mika?

Well, I have a lot of memories of him growing up. Playing tennis, playing in my parent’s yard, hanging out with our childhood friends in our neighborhood. We both loved going to parties, listening to music, dancing (he was a hot stepper…lol). He was a lover of life and was always supportive of everyone around him, mostly the upcoming artists.

As the older brother, I’m sure you were very protective of Mika and even more so now after his passing. What was it like managing Mika as an artist, and how are you managing and protecting his legacy moving forward?

Managing him and knowing that he was my little brother was complex. Like you said, I am very protective of him. Oftentimes, there was not a clear distinction between the brother relationship and the manager/artist relationship. But at the end of the day, we always made it work. Mika was the true definition of an artist. Being around him made me think it was easy for all artists to write and produce but he was unique in that sense. He was MUSIC. We had our share of difficulties, but it was exciting, fun, sometimes unpredictable and we made the best of it. As far as his legacy is concerned, like I said November 6th, I will always be there for his family, his kids and he left us so many projects and unfinished business

[Mika] loved helping. He loved being able to participate in projects bigger than himself.

that I don’t see myself ever done working with him. We are finalizing different projects we had already started and making sure we make them successful. I will always be my brother’s keeper to continue to grow his aura around the world and also, with my family, to pass on his memory to his children Gabriel, Leïa and Maïa.

As Mika’s manager, are there any on-the-road experiences you’d like to share?

There are so many of them – 20+ years’ worth. Let me share one of them. We were on tour in Haiti, heading to Cap Haitian for a performance. One of our musicians was making him laugh and Mika had such an expressive laughter, he laughed with his eyes, his body and he was loud. At the end of the trip, he had laughed so much that he nearly lost his voice and I had to get him to rest before the performance.

I want to add one thing I always appreciated with him when he was performing is that he was always willing to give credit where credit was due. There’s one song from his “Mika” album called “Yon Ti Chans”, which was produced by him but written by Kiko Tru Rasta. Whenever he was singing it, he always made sure to say the song was written by Kiko. It was important for him that Kiko got credit for such a great song. And this also explains why he was so interested in making sure copyrights are recognized in Haiti.

MUSIC

When did you realize Mika would take your father’s mantle in the family as the next musician?

It was in 1998. I was living in Montreal at the time and coming back home on vacation. Mika told me he had started writing songs. In 1999, when he participated in the Konkou Chante Nwèl from Telemax, with the success this song had nationwide, I knew his career was starting.

What did Mika enjoy most about being a musician?

He loved all aspects of it, but mostly

he liked being in the studio to create! Mika was very comfortable playing all instruments and was never dry of new stuff, he always had a new sound.

Besides your father, who else inspired Mika as a musician?

A lot of artists inspired him. Besides my dad, I can name Bob Marley, Beethova Obas, Beenie Man, Bruno Mars etc. The list is long because he liked so many genres of music.

Any advice you would give a young artist who wants to be like Mika?

Always perfect your craft and be dedicated. Being in the music business is a lot of work and you always fail if you stop! Also, invest in yourself, read, learn. Being like Mika is not about a sound, it’s not only about art or music, but mostly about the man he has been.

How will you continue Mika’s legacy using his music catalog?

We will share his songs with the fans. Some songs he already recorded his vocals on and are done, others are referenced and will be sung by other artists, Mélodie being one of them as Mika wanted. We also have some people that have shown interest in doing remixes. There are a lot of opportunities to promote his songs. Mikaben still has a lot of music to offer to the world.

PROJECTS & FOUNDATION

What were some of the projects Mika was working on?

He was working on his next musical project to celebrate his 20-year career. He also has some collabos with different artists that are ready to be released.

One major project he was working on was to get the copyrights ituation taken care of for the artists so that they can live from their creations.

To stay connected with Mikaben, continue following his social media pages (IG, FB, YouTube, Twitter) to know which project is on the way.

Which of these projects will you continue for Mika?

We are planning to do all of them, in due time. We are setting up a team that will help us make all of them a success.

What do you remember Mika used to say about doing humanitarian work?

He loved helping. He loved being able to participate in projects bigger than himself. He wished that more people would be good and faire to the less fortunate, and mostly artists that he considered to be the ones who can really make a big difference for Haiti

He loved helping out. He loved being able to participate in projects bigger than himself.

Can you tell us about Mika’s foundation and how you will continue some of its work for him? Let me start with the mission. Ti SOUF’s mission is to bring about a change in the lives of poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged people through educational, cultural, and sports activities and also through psychological support, while promoting sport and music in general.

Since he passed, we have contributed to a school in Corail/ Canaan by paying the school teachers. We offered the community of Meyotte soup for over 500 people on January 2 and we have started with my mother, a training that we offered to artists and influencers to contribute in them finding peace within themselves and sharing it around them, and we have many other projects for 2023 and the years to come.

Lastly, Mika was universally loved because of his many talents and enduring capacity to stay positive and produce uplifting music. What do you think drove Mika to be such an incredible example and inspiration to so many?

Our parents and family. Our upbringing made him who he was. Our family has always had a culture of love for others, peace, spirituality and personal development.

VANESSA FANFAN BENJAMIN (Wife) Q&A

MIKA’S PASSING:

How did you first hear about Mika’s collapse?

I got a phone call from Lionel Jr. He called and told me there had been an accident and Mika fell. He told me everything was under control and to stay off the internet. Fito than called to ask me if Mika had any medical history or was taking meds. I started to get alarmed and asked him to video chat with me so I could see what was going on and get some answers. Fito denied my request. He feared it would be too much for me to handle, given I was 8 months pregnant at the time. I spoke to at least three different people. I begged and pleaded to at least let Mika hear my voice, but my efforts were in vain. A half hour later, Fito called and told me Mika had passed. He allowed me to see his lifeless body on the ground, as I begged him to come back to me.

What helped you cope with Mika’s passing?

The way people finally started to open their eyes and see Mika for who he truly was, helped me cope. They saw him for the husband that he was, the father he was, the family man, the man of his word, his kind and generous soul, his immense talent, his drive and dedication, his patriotism. He was a hero in all senses of the word. A HERO (a person who is admired, or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities).

Photos by Frederic Dupoux

When did you realize Mika was the love of your life?

I realized he was the love of my life when I tried to leave him and realized I couldn’t go two days without aching for his presence.

My faith and my family also helped me cope. The outpouring of love and prayers I received from his fans also helped.

When did you start breathing a little easier again?

I can’t honestly say that I have started breathing easy yet. It always feels like a heavy weight on my chest, especially when I think of him or look into his kids’ eyes. It’s a crushing weight that sometimes takes my breath away. However, I have faith that it will get better. I just don’t know when. I keep waking up every day and show up for my kids, while praying I get through the whole day without falling apart.

The world lost an amazingly talented artist. A great humanitarian. I on the other hand, I lost, my husband, my soulmate, my life partner, my best friend, my confident, my comfort zone, my happy place, my dreams, my future, the father of my kids, my cook, my cleaning partner, my pool guy, my movie partner…ect. The world lost Mikaben, I lost Michael Benjamin.

How did you feel about the support you received at the celebration of life events for Mika, from immediate family members, Mika’s eldest, Gabriel, friends, the city, and everyone involved? Any folks you like to acknowledge who helped during those events? This celebration of life went as I imagined it would go. It started as a vision I felt was deserving of Mika. Franky Adrien and Karoll Ann Fanfan reached out to me, and I told them about my vision. Then, TiGuy Francois, Tatiana Fanfan, TiLion Benjamin, Richard Cave, TiHarold St. Louis, Johnbern Thomas, and Oli Duret joined the team. Before I knew it, everyone was working their magic. Christian Surena, Bendino, Sandy Dorsainvil also joined their efforts. Like the domino effect, everything fell into place. Everyone we reached out to was more than happy to participate in the celebration. Some people reached out to us and offered their time and services. The team continued to grow as the plans were starting to finalize. All of the amazing performers, the

people working their magic in the background had an outpouring of love towards me and my family. I’m so grateful for everyone who showed up and showed out. Obviously, I won’t be able to mention everyone who participated, but they have my eternal gratitude.

BEFORE DATING

When and how did you and Mika meet?

Mika and I met at Kouka’s birthday party,in which he was hired to perform at in November 2018.

What was your first impression of him?

My first impression of him was that he was a talented giant. He was so tall!

Which of his songs did you like the most?

It’s a tie between “On y va”, “Lyric all” and “Kenbe’m”. “Kenbe’m” was actually the first song we danced to as a married couple.

Photo by Ryann Michelle Photography

WHILE DATING

Which of his song(s) do you like the most now?

“Marry me” is definitely one of my favorites. However, since he passed, it’s been the hardest one to listen to without crying. “Fe lapli” is also an alltime favorite. When I was pregnant with Leïa, that was my go-to song when I felt sick; she’s loved it since she was in the womb. But my other two favorites haven’t been released yet, so stay tuned for when they come out.

What was it like dating and getting to know the “Ayiti Se...” singer?

It was a frustrating pleasure. Let me explain. He was really the baby of the family. A little spoiled and sheltered. He didn’t know how to cook (except for eggs and pasta). He didn’t know how to clean or do laundry. He wasn’t handy. Never use to put things back in their place. The dirty clothes were left on the floor next to the hamper instead of inside of the hamper. Stuff like that.

But he was very loving and affectionate. He always made sure I felt seen and understood. He was great at communicating. He learned how to cook, clean, do the laundry. He learned how to be organized and disciplined. He was very dedicated. He was always striving to be a better version of himself. Always willing to learn and grow. The best part was that he was so honest and genuine with his feelings and actions. I never had to second guess his motives. He made me laugh like no one else could and I could talk to him for hours and never get borred.

FAMILY MAN

How was Mika as a husband and father?

Wow, he was the best. He was caring, loving, attentive, and understanding. Always willing to compromise. He was comforting, a great listener. He was a provider, a true partner. Once he learned how to cook, he became

the best cook I ever knew. As my husband, he was my happy place, my comfort zone. I felt at home when he held me in his arms.

I couldn’t have picked a better man to father my children. He was affectionate, very loving, and very present, if you know what I mean. He had his special bedtime routine with our daughter. Her face lit up every time she saw him. He would sing to my belly (baby Maïa) almost every night, just like he used to do for Leïa. He truly enjoyed his kids. He looked forward to spending time with them. He would always get so excited around summer and Christmas break because it meant he would get to keep Gabby for weeks

used to share little videos of things that worked and helped me raise my nephew and my daughters. I will continue to share any positivity I see in my world. These little tips may help another parent in their journey. Even Princess Leïa is becoming an inspiration online. What would you like to achieve with her platform?

Mika and I were working on an online store for Leïa and Maïa. We wanted to inspire self-love and positivity. The store should open this year. Be on the lookout for all the great things we wanted to share and have available for other little kids. The official announcements will be made on their respective platforms.

PROJECTS & FOUNDATION

What were some of the projects Mika was working on?

at a time. There was such a delicate side to him when it came to his kids. Sometimes, the night before Gabby would go back to his mom, Mika would cry “ I’m gonna miss him so much babe” he would tell me.

What will you miss the most as you raise your daughters without Mika?

I will miss his presence the most. It breaks my heart to realize that Leïa will forget and Maïa will never know what it felt like to have him in their lives. He gave them the kind of love that could burst your heart open.

INFLUENTIAL YOUNG FAMILY

You and Mika were becoming a very influential young family online. How will you keep using your platform to continue being an inspiration?

I will continue to share my faith and my journey as a widow. I always

Oh, gosh, Mika was working on multiple projects. Ti-souf, which is a nonprofit to help with education in Haiti. He was trying to establish copyright and acknowledge intellectual property in Haiti and other countries. He was part of a peace committee to help teach selflove and love for others, which his mom Roseline is continuing on his behalf through weekly seminars. He has about 150 unreleased songs, if not more.

What do you remember Mika used to say about doing humanitarian work?

“A change has to come, and that change starts with us.”

Can you tell us about Mika’s foundation and how you and the family will continue that work for him?

Ti-Souf is a nonprofit foundation established to bring joy to children in Haiti. To help with their education and give them a safe place to be creative. We will continue that work by making sure the teachers are paid and those children are cared for.

What drove [Mika] most was his faith in God and his willingness to create a better tomorrow for future generations.

Olivier “Oliduret” Duret

What were you doing when you first heard of Mikaben's death, and what were your thoughts and reactions?

I was home, reading on Twitter what was going on with him on stage and refreshing the page non-stop. At first, I just read that he fell, so my initial reaction was, ofcourse, he fell. He’s so clumsy!But upon reading some more, I realized it was more serious than that. I kept asking different people what was going on until I saw the message saying he was gone. I just burst out. Let’s be clear: I don’t necessarily cry. But that was too much for me.

What's your earliest memory of Mikaben?

We were friends for like 30 years. I have so many of them, but him playing the guitar while we were in the mountains, a place called “heaven”, is a good one.

Have you ever worked with Mikaben? If so, what did you guys work on and how was it received?

I worked with Mika on every song that I’ve done and every song that he did after “oupati”.Most of them were well received. Mika had a hand in almost every song I’ve ever put out.

What did you like about Mikaben as an artist?

He was always willing to share. He would work on music with you and for you and push you to do and get better. The other thing is that music was always on his mind. He produced all sorts of music, so anything and everything inspired him.

Do you have a favorite Mikaben song? If so, why that song?

“Sim te gen zèl” would be my favorite. I think the song speaks for itself as

far as why. It’s just an amazing song. What will you miss the most about Mikaben?

Our camaraderie. We spoke every

day, most of the time not even to talk about anything serious, just “wassup”. And, of course, the way we always made fun of each other. I have no one to do that with anymore. That was our thing.

If you could've told Mikaben something before his death, what would you have said to him?

I would say “Love you bro.” Not that

What will you miss the most about Mikaben?

Our camaraderie. We spoke every day, most of the time not even to talk about anything serious, just “wassup”. And, of course, the way we always made fun of each other. I have no one to do that with anymore. That was our thing.

he didn’t know it. But it was never said, just understood. But I would have it to make sure he knew.

I’ve had so many experiences with Mika, most of them funny. I would need a book to write them all. Just know that there was never a dull moment between the two of us, whether it was just talking or working on music. It was always special.

Thank you

JONATHAN “J. PERRY” PERRY Q&a

What were you doing when you first heard of Mikaben’s death, and what were your thoughts and reactions?

When I first heard Mika collapsed, I was in the pool enjoying some quality time with my niece & nephew. I was told that my phone had kept on ringing and receiving a lot of text messages. I got out to check what those messages and missed calls were about and found out he had collapsed right after his magical performance. My heart started racing, and I opened my eyes wide in shock and disbelief. A million thoughts crossed my mind, so I got very confused instantly. I was getting messages that he passed, then that he was getting emergency care, then that they were doing heart massage, then that they opened him up for surgery right where he collapsed. So many stories were coming in so fast. I tried to make myself believe it was nothing and that he was just gonna get back up and be able to go to the hospital after a fainting. I have

heard of people fainting many times and getting back up, so to me, that’s what it was going to be. I did not want to believe that he was never gonna stand back up again

I was thinking like that because I wasn’t ready to feel that kind of pain. I wasn’t ready to lose such a friend. I stayed positive but very anxious. Praying and having conversations with God. I tried to stay as calm as possible and waited impatiently to hear that he was gonna be okay. It was when I read Carel’s tweet announcing his death that I realized it was for real. I read the tweet a couple times to make sure. Then it really hit me. As I started telling my wife the news, I broke down and started bawling. I had never felt so broken and weak. Usually, when I receive real bad news, I go straight to bed and try my best to fall asleep to escape the overwhelming emotions and hope to wake up stronger. This time I rolled and rolled in my bed crying. I just couldn’t fall

What I will miss the most about Mika is his random texts and calls just to make sure I was good. His advice on life, and music. And definitely being in the studio with him, creating magic. I’m going to miss sharing this journey with him.

asleep. I couldn’t stop crying, so I got up, put my Airpods on with Mika’s “Vwayaj” album, and went for a run. I felt angry at life and helpless and needed to release that overload of sad/broken energy in my body. My thoughts were all over the place as I started imagining how life was about to be without him. I stayed in denial, telling myself no for a couple of days. It’s still not real. It can’t be. I kept crying every time a different memory came to mind. Every time I thought of Vanessa, Lea, & Maïa. Every time I thought of Ti Lion and Melody & his Mom & Dad. Every time I thought of his plans and goals for Haiti and his career. And for this magical next chapter he was about to start in his life.

What’s your earliest memory of Mikaben?

My earliest memory of Mika was when I was in 1st grade at “Chez Colette Millet”. Mika came to perform for the kids, as he’d also gone to the same school when he was younger. I thought it was really cool for someone to go to a school and then became a superstar and then come back and sing for all the kids. That’s when he started inspiring me . I also got to see him around the same time at my piano teacher’s school, “Cybille Denis”, as he was also a music student there. I think he saw me playing the piano and knew from then that I was also gifted. He’d kept an eye on me ever since. Mika could notice talent so easily, and when he did, he always stepped in to guide and mentor the younger ones. He did it for me, and for many others. He really mentored generations of Haitian artists who are now really successful thanks to his help and dedication to sharing his knowledge & experience in the industry.

Have you ever worked with MIKABEN? If so, what did you guys work on and how was it received?

Mika and I started working together in 2011 when he jumped on the remix of my single “Staring at Your Body” and brought along with him well-known Haitian artist, “Black dada”. At the time, Black dada had a mega-hit, “I’m a Zoe” that was playing in all the clubs & radios in Miami and the US. So, having a song with him was a big deal for both Mika and me. Then he helped me write the hook in “Holding On” Which was the first video I made in my career. Mika co-produced two of my songs, “Anyway” and “Konplike”, with Akoustik. He invited me to feature on his songs Ti pam nan, Nou se Caribbean, & Malaria. Three very important songs in my career. Ti Pam Nan was signed by Warner Music, Nou Se Caribbean was the song for Carifesta, and Malaria was a song to raise awareness about malaria in our country. We are also featured together in “Nouvo Jenerasyon” by my cousin, Michael Brun, who Mika inspired so much as well. I also invited Mika to feature in my song “Rale Pa”, which got licensed by Zumba Fitness. Our last song together was very special too, and I’m glad we shared that project. Walshy Fire had sent me a beat from Tribal Kush. Mika came over to hang out with me, and of course, we ended up vibing in the studio. I knew he would like the beat from Walshy & Tribal Kush, so I played it for him. We started writing and laying down melodies right away and made “Validé” that day. He also added some more Konpa production to the song, which gave it the spice it needed to be better.

Validé was the first time Mika and I were on billboards in the streets in LA, NY, & Atlanta. Being on a song with Walshy Fire and Tribal Kush was also an honor. Mika and I got to vibe some more after that, which I’m so grateful for, and we made songs that haven’t been released yet. So, I’m definitely going to take my time with these songs and make sure I make him proud when I release them. We performed together more times than I can count in Haiti, Canada, and the United States. Working with Mika was easy. It was fun and inspiring, and I’m going to miss that a lot. We made hits together! He and I were the perfect combination. We shared the unfinished music we were working on with each other and gave each other

advice on how to make it better. From me sending him background vocals for his songs, to him sending me background vocals for my songs, we used each other’s voices to make the music we were making the best it could be. We were both very picky about our music, so we trusted each other when it came to giving our input into each other’s work.

What did you like about Mikaben as an artist?

The list of things I liked about Mika as an artist is long. He made sure to use his gift for anything that would make this world a better place. More love and more peace. I also respected his dedication to bettering himself as a person and as an artist. He made sure to show Haiti and the world through his music and actions that he loved his country, was proud of being Haitian, and that his mission was to spread peace and love. He was disciplined to practice often and keep mastering his skills. He listened to all kinds of music and memorized lyrics effortlessly. His presence on stage was unmatched, as he could come up with freestyles and cover hit songs on the spot to entertain any crowd. And most importantly, he had fun while doing all of it. Mika was a tall and big guy but for sure a kid at heart.

Do you have a favorite Mikaben song? If so, why that song?

I have a lot of favorite songs when it comes to Mika. Some of my absolute favorites are the Intro (Haiti) Bèl fanm, Bleu e Rouj, Manman, Ou pati, Sim te gen zèl, I’m loving my life, Ayiti se… and the list goes on. Mika is one of the best songwriters I know. The way he connected words to rhyme, the catchy melodies, and the subjects he picked, was genius. What I will miss the most about Mika is his random texts and calls just to make sure I was good. His advice on life, and music. And definitely being in the studio with him, creating magic. I’m going to miss sharing this journey with him.

What will you miss the most about Mikaben?

What I will miss the most about Mika is his random texts and calls just to make sure I was good. His advice on life, and music. And definitely being in the studio with him, creating magic. I’m going to miss sharing this journey with him. I will

miss celebrating our wins. Every time something big happened in our careers, we were always happy for each other and ready for the next thing. I will miss him having my back on stage, like he always did. I tend to mess up lyrics a lot, and Mika and I always joked how he’ll have my back and not worry. Lol. I will miss his “surettes”. We used to tease each other whenever we made mistakes pronouncing a word and it sounded funny. I will definitely miss his collection of slogans and his loud laugh. If you could’ve told Mikaben something before his death, what would you have said to him?

If I could have said something to Mika before his death, it would have been the sincerest thank you from the bottom of my heart. I would have told that I appreciated and loved him as a big brother, a friend, and one of the best artists I ever had the chance and pleasure to work with. He taught me soo much about music, life, and our beloved Haiti. Our mission was the best I could have asked God for and I’m glad we were put on the same journey. Thank you for the time you took in your life to guide me and be the best mentor. Thank you for the constant inspiration. Thank you for all the coaching and motivation of pure heart to help build who I am today as a person and as an artist. Without you, I don’t even know if I’d be on this musical journey. Making me believe in my dreams and go for them was the best gift you gave me. Hope, inspiration, & positivity. I always proudly say it. You’ll always be my strongest inspiration. And I know that will help me keep moving forward with your goals for Haiti and the world. You already have and will keep changing lives with your poetic lyrics and uplifting melodies. That is truly what your music was all about. You left us a blueprint of how to use our gift as a powerful tool to change our environment and the world. Wap toujou vivan nan kè’m, nan melody’m, nan vibe mwen! Paske se ou ki te youn de pi gro inspirasyon’m ak modèl mwen. Map toujou site nom’w, jwe ak chante mizik ou, pou ke tout jenerasyon kap vini yo konn kiyès ou ye, ak saw fè pou peyi’w. I know we would have had so many more amazing memories, but we did enjoy our time in this life. Thank you for everything ! One of a kind! Legend.

I love you, big bro! Fly high!

Richard Cave Q&A

What were you doing when you first heard of Mikaben’s death, and what were your thoughts and reactions?

Well, Mika died on stage next to me. Of course, it was a shock.

What’s your earliest memory of Mikaben?

One of the best memories I have of Mika is when CARIMI was doing their first tour in Haiti. He came to

see us at soundcheck to learn how we were installing our equipment. I remember seeing a passionate young man wanting to sing and perform. He couldn’t wait for his turn.

Do you have a favorite Mikaben song?

To me, Ayiti Se, Ou Pati , and Sim Te Gen Zèl are his top songs. But how could I forget Fan’m Sa Move?

If you could’ve told Mikaben something before his death, what would you have said?

“No one does it better than you, and thank you for making me who I am today.”

What will you miss the most about Mikaben?

The fact that Mika could produce any song for any artist is something to appreciate. Mika will be remembered as one of the best of his generation. Nobody could do it better than him.

Do you have a favorite Mikaben song?

I have to say Ayiti Se is one of my favorite songs. This guy always wanted our country to be great. Even when we were going through tough times, he would always glorify Haiti.

Roberto Martino Q&A

What will you miss the most about Mikaben?

Mwen menm, sa ki pral manke m plis se souri li, atitid li, bon kè li ak talan li.

m plis de Mika.

What will you miss the most about Mikaben?

What were you doing when you first heard of Mikaben’s death, and what were your thoughts and reactions?

An reyalite, mwen t ap gade konsè a sou Instagram, sou paj yon moun epi mwen tande bri a e mwen te wè lè Mika tonbe a. Men ou konnen, mwen te panse kòmsi pye misye pase sou yon fil epi misye tonbe men se lè misye pa janm leve epi m fè kontak ak kèk lòt mizisyen ki te sou sèn nan, se lè sa m vin konn gravite sitiyasyon an. Epi aprè, lè nou te resevwa apèl la, monchè mwen te devaste. Konplètman devaste.

What’s your earliest memory of Mikaben?

Premye souvni mwen de Mika se te nan Ayiti Twoubadou. Se konsa nou te rankontre. Apre sa, atravè Olivier Duret tou. Yo te bon zanmi. Kidonk nou te gon ap jwe foutbòl. Nou te konn jwe foutbòl bò isit la, se konsa nou te vin zanmi. Apre sa, rès la te istwa.

Have you ever worked with Mikaben?

Wi, nou te travay sou anpil pwojè. Pwojè T-Vice, pwojè Mika, epi li te toujou, ou konnen, se te toujou yon bon vayb lè, ou konprann ? Nan youn nan premye albòm T-Vice yo, nou te gen yon mizik ki rele “Ouvè kè w” ke Mika te gen, ou konnen, yon bèl pati nan mizik sa a. Nou te travay ak Mika sou plizyè nan mizik li yo. M patisipe nan anpil nan mizik misye yo. Epi dènye pwojè nou ansanm se te sou album ‘’Majestic’’ ke nou sòt sòti la a. Se yon mizik ki rele “Tizè w” e nou te sou wout pou nou fè videyo mizik sa a. Men malerezman, sa pa janm rive.

Do you have a favorite Mikaben song? If so, why that song?

Mwen se yon fanatik Mikaben, ou konnen…M te toujou Di misye sa. Mwen te toujou di li ke li se youn nan mizisyen ki gen plis talan ke nou genyen. Se konsa, mwen mwen renmen tout travay li. Men, m panse ke si n ap pran «Ou pati» man «Ou pati» a te make tout moun «Ou pati»a se yon mizik ke mwen menm m te konn entèprete tou, ou konnen... M panse se youn nan mizik ki te make

Mwen menm, sa ki pral manke m plis se souri li, atitid li, bon kè li ak talan li. Ou konnen…Se yon moun man, depi l bò kote w frè m, ou bezwen yon bagay, ou konnen… ou ka ap fè yon mizik ou rele l, oswa si l avè w ou rele l, menm kote a misye ap ba w yon bagay rapid. Oubyen se yon moun tou man lè l nan yon anviwonnman l avèw, ou konnen... Misye jovyal man, misye se yon nèg ki renmen viv ki toujou la pou l ap bay blag, ou konnen… Misye te gen anpil lanmou pou lavi. Li te yon bon zanmi. Ou konnen… gen anpil bagay ki pral manke m.

If you could’ve told Mikaben something before his death, what would you say to him?

Mwen panse mwen pa gen okenn regrè emosyonèl paske mwen te di Mika tout sa mwen te bezwen di l pandan li te vivan. M se Youn nn moun ki te toujou ap fè elòj misye, toujou ap di misye. Eeee ou konnen, kijan li te chaje talan, kijan mwen rekonesan pou, ou konnen, pou m travay avè l e pou m te konnen l, elatriye. Kidonk, nan sans sa a, mwen pa gen anyen pou m di l paske mwen te di l tout bagay pandan l te vivan. Epi se jan de moun mwen ye. Se konsa m viv, ou konprann… eee men monchè, li ale tou, li ale twò bonè, monchè. Mwen vle di, gen anpil bagay ke, ou konnen… li te vle bay HMI la, elatriye. M panse ke, monchè, mwen pral jis pran swen bon moman nou te pase yo, bon moman yo, ou konnen… jiskaske nou wè ankò.

JEAN PHILIPPE BRIERRE Q&A

What were you doing when you first heard of Mikaben’s death, and what were your thoughts and reactions?

That day on Oct 15th, I was on a FaceTime call with my cousins. They

were at the concert, and they called me when Mika started singing Ou pati, a song I co-wrote with Mika when we were 15 years old.

At one point, I remember my cousin told me his phone was losing

What will you miss the most about Mikaben?

I miss my brother so much. He was a special person in my Life. I can’t believe he’s gone. He was family, even if we didn’t share the same blood.

Often people would ask me, “Ou se frè, Mika?”

charge, so he was going to hang up. After the call, five to 10 minutes later, I started getting lots of texts from different people asking me “Are you watching the concert?”

Someone told me to go to Instagram. When I went there, there was a live story from somebody at the concert. I started asking, please tell me what’s happening. They kept saying Mika tonbe Pipo , li tonbe pandan li sou stage la. I thought, okay maybe he tripped. But then I realized it wasn’t the case. I had a panic attack, I felt so confused. I tried to calm myself down. Then I called T lion. When he answered, his voice was shaky. He said, “Dènye nouvèl mwen genyen yo pral lopital ak misye.” I didn’t know what to think.

What’s your earliest memory of Mikaben?

My earliest memory of Mikaben is us back in high school playing basketball and at my house playing music and video games.

Have you ever worked with MIKABEN? If so, what did you guys work on and how was it received?

I worked with Mikaben on several projects, including one of his early hits, Ou Pati, which I co-wrote with him. It was very well received. It’s a classic that Mika performed very often.

What did you like about Mikaben as an artist?

I really liked Mikaben’s energy as an artist, and the fact that he was super-talented and his performances on stage were always on fire!

Do you have a favorite Mikaben song? If so, why that song?

My favorite Mika Ben song would have to be Ou Pati because it brings me back to the early years of our friendship and history. I used to have a band, and Mika was part of it. All we would do is jam and practice at my Mom’s house and play basketball and video games.

What will you miss the most about Mikaben?

I miss my brother so much. He was a special person in my Life. I can’t believe he’s gone. He was family, even if we didn’t share the same

blood. Often people would ask me, “Ou se frè, Mika?”

If you could’ve told Mikaben something before his death, what would you have said to him?

Mika, you know how much I love you and appreciate you. Our relationship and our conversations on several topics. Don’t ever forget that you are special to me, my brother.

I remember when we used play gigs in Haiti, in the provinces. It was always an adventure. We were always joking around and at the same time doing something we love. And especially the creative times, with Mika in the studio or at his house or at my house on Sundays. Those were very special moments. When we would go to Smokey’s ……ssooooo many memories.

KAROLL-ANN “KOUKA” FANFAN Q&A

What were you doing when you first heard of Mikaben’s death, and what were your thoughts and reactions?

I was at my make-up artist’s studio getting ready for a big party I had that night. My phone started

buzzing non-stop. At first, I ignored it because I didn’t wanna interrupt her too often while she was working on my face. But as it was non-stop, I asked her to give me a minute to look at the missed calls. I started to get worried when I

What did you like about Mikaben as an artist?

His passion. Mikaben had music in his DNA. He also was pure love. He loved love, giving love, spreading love, sharing love, teaching love. I just loved him. The mission he gave himself to get “droit d’auteur” for Haitian artists. The way he collaborated with many other artists. He was the most unselfish human being I’ve ever met.

realized in the span of 15 minutes I’d missed about 15 calls from diverse family members but also from people who don’t call me often. Most concerning were the calls from a bunch of artists in the HMI who I’ve worked with. I’d also missed a gazillion text messages. The theme of all the messages was clear: “How is Mika ?” “Do you have news from Mika?” “What’s going on with Mika?” I was going to reach out to Vanessa, but Roberto Martino called

“Karoll-Ann, ki nouvel ou Gen de Mika?” I answered, “Aucune, what is going on?”

Roberto proceeded to explain to me that Mika had fallen down during his concert in Paris and everyone was unsure of what was going on. My heart just broke. I hung up with him and called Vanessa. My call went unanswered. Then Vanessa texted in the family chat that “Mika had a heart attack. He is not okay.” To which I replied, “What is that supposed to mean, Vanessa? Omg.”

I asked the make-up artist to wipe my face down because I would not be going anywhere that night. I could

not start to process those words. My heart in an instant shattered into a million pieces. I felt so many different levels of pain all at once. My whole body was burning. Every single inch of my skin felt like hell. All at once, a gazillion thoughts went through my mind. Mika, can it be real? Vanessa is pregnant. Leia and Gaby. Their lives are going to be changed forever. Why God, why? His parents, his siblings, our country. How are we going to keep going without him, his talent, his contributions to our country? My friend, my idol, Mika. I went straight into denial. I couldn’t even cry. Nora, Olivier Duret’s girlfriend, called me and I heard Olivier in the background screaming, “Nooo, noooo!” I believe he was opening the door of his house to go scream in the street. My heart was in a million pieces, the tiny pieces broke again and again and again.

What’s your earliest memory of Mikaben?

Mika’s dad is a mason in the same loge where my uncle was also a mason. Every summer before school reopened they used to do that prayer for all children to have a blessed school year. I was 13 or 14 years old. I remember thinking how he was younger than me but taller than all the other children.

Have you ever worked with Mikaben? If so, what did you guys work on and how was it received?

Mikaben was the ambassador of several of my businesses. He was the ambassador of Taxfit LLC, the ambassador of Kouka’s Closet LLC. Quite frankly, I just adored Mika, so now I was in a position in my life to push him financially, I did not hesitate. He had a great work ethic. When he was on the set, he always focused on the task at hand. He also brought great humor every time. He always had everyone laughing on the set or at our photo shoots. He was very respectful of everyone. His parents really did a great job educating him. No one ever felt he was acting like a superstar. From the machan by his house to the big celebrities he worked with, everyone – and I mean everyone –was treated the same. I really enjoyed

working with Mika. Even though we were friends and he chose me to be the godmother of Leia, I never felt he took this for granted while working on the set. He gave me his all. One funny story I will never forget is about we had a photoshoot for Kouka’s closet. I had employed Maritza Boudoire to style him. Unfortunately for one of the looks, the tennis shoes were too small. Many would have said forget this look, but not our Mika. He said, “I will not be able to walk, but I can still dance the scene and make it happen.” And he did. I still have the video when he is walking out of the scene, suffering from the shoes.

What did you like about Mikaben as an artist?

His passion. Mikaben had music in his DNA. He also was pure love. He loved love, giving love, spreading love, sharing love, teaching love. I just loved him. The mission he gave himself to get “droit d’auteur” for Haitian artists. The way he collaborated with many other artists. He was the most unselfish human being I’ve ever met.

Do you have a favorite Mikaben song? If so, why that song?

I do not have ONE favorite, because I have many. But I will share one of my top 5 with you and why it’s number one: Loving My Life. Every time I am down, this song lifts me right back up. I could be crying, and right in the middle of it I will find myself jamming.

“I am loving my life yo, I am loving my life yo” Number two is Fanm sa move. I have been bullied a lot because of my weight. I have countless of videos myself singing Fanm sa move to show that in spite of everything, I am a badass woman. I didn’t even realize this until Mika passed away and I started going down memory lane and finding all those videos. Number three is jouk nan zo by Alan Cave and Mika. He was amazing on that. Number four is #yon ti souf pou ayiti. (His patriotism always wowed me.) Number five: nap Kitel pou yo.

What will you miss the most about Mikaben?

To be sincere, I will miss everything about Mika. The person he was, the

joy he brought to his surroundings, the love he had for Haiti, the way he was so affectionate with his family and friends, the way he was selfless, the way he cared, the way he was an amazing father applying himself to be present for his kids.

If you could’ve told Mikaben something before his death, what would you have said to him?

The last words I texted to Mika were, “I am unofficially on your team.” I write it because someone who wanted to hire him for a birthday party could not reach him and came all The way from West Palm Beach to my office in Miramar to ask me if I could help. I contacted Mika while he was busy, and he answered me right away and I made the connection. Unfortunately, he passed before the party.

The last words he texted me were “You will always be on my team.”

Mika always found a way to always show his to everyone around him. He was very intentional. He came to truly appreciate me and thought of a way to show his appreciation. He actually decided to cook me a meal. He could have just invited me to a restaurant but he wanted to show that this was special to him, so he gave his time, which was his most precious asset. I’ll always remember how at the beginning I thought he was just kidding. I shared with Vanessa, “Mika di li bezwen fe yon dîner pou mwen. Lap ranser?” But he kept insisting and I realized he meant it. I will never forget this night. Vanessa could not make it physically, so she was with us via FaceTime during the whole dinner. We all laughed out loud all night, him, Vanessa and I. He made a delicious shrimp pasta and garlic bread because he knew it was one of my favorites. All this, while he was himself on a special diet, so he didn’t even eat much.

Thank you, Mika, pour ta gentillesse, for choosing me.

As the godmother of your daughter, I thank for your friendship. Thanks for all the lessons, thanks for the lovely conversations, and all those voice notes that I will always cherish. I will always love you.

Atys “Panch” Evans

Q&A

What were you doing when you first heard of Mikaben’s death, and what were your thoughts and reactions?

Premye kesyon an se kisa m tap fè lè m te tande lanmò Mika a? Mwe ta pral jwe pou Baky, Orlando. Epi pandan m pral fè tchèk son, m tande yo di Mika tonbe. So nan tèt mwen, pye l ka pase nan yon fil, li ka pase nan yon fè, pye l tonbe etc. Epi aprè yon 10 minit m tande m yo di m ke y ap fè masaj kadyak. Kounya la a, yo m jis dekontwole man. M pa bon menm menm menm menm. M di kòman masaj kadyak la. So rete rete, so m ap priye man. M te deyò a m ap monte desann. Panike panike, tcheke gwoup, tcheke sa moun ap di. Epi vwala ke Carel te vin bay nouvèl

la aprè yon ti tan. What’s your earliest memory of Mikaben?

M tèlman gen souvni ansanm avèk Mika, son bagay ekstrawòdinè. Eee son nèg m toujou ap fè ri, m toujou renmen fè misye ri son bagay kòmsi... Chak grenn moman m te pase ak misye, m pa regrèt youn paske yo te vle di anpil bagay. Yo te vle di anpil bagay paske deja misye se atis prefere m tou, ou konprann. E l vin zanmi m, pi bon zanmi m so li vin... Ou konprann li vin gran frè m. So chak grenn moman se te yon bagay ekstrawòdinè.

Have you ever worked with Mikaben?

Wi, m travay avèk Mika sou yon kanaval pa m. M travay avèk

Kisa m renmen kay Mika antanke yon atis?

Mika son zanj. Depi nan kòmansman, misye se yon zanj paske jan misye polivalan an, li vle di yon pakèt bagay ke m pa wè nan okenn lòt moun.

Mika sou Kaï, sou kanaval Kaï. M travay avè l sou plizyè paske, travay ansanm mwen menm avèk Mika... Mika ap fè ‘’Fè lapli’’ l ap voye l banm tande. L ap fè plizyè mizik pou tèt li lap voye banm tande, featuring etc. Mwen menm tou bò kote pa m, depi m fin met yon bagay m voye ba l tande. Epi konsa nou pataje ide ansanm, ya.

If so, what did you guys worked on and how was it received?

E lòt bagay ankò, misye te toujou

renmen travay ansanm avè m paske li te di ke m te toujou gon vayb ki diferan. Ke m pa previzib, sa vle di ke gon bagay chak lè l ap vini gen moun ki pap menm wè l menm. E sa te ret yon bagay ekstrawòdinè pou l te wè lakay mwen. Kisa m renmen kay Mika ? Ok banm voye yon lòt voice pou sa.

Kisa m renmen kay Mika antanke yon atis? Mika son zanj. Depi nan

kòmansman, misye se yon zanj paske jan misye polivalan an, li vle di yon pakèt bagay ke m pa wè nan okenn lòt moun.

What did you like about Mikaben as artist?

Kisa m renmen kay Mika antanke yon atis? Mika son zanj. Depi nan kòmansman, misye se yon zanj paske jan misye polivalan an, li vle di yon pakèt bagay ke m pa wè nan okenn lòt moun. Epi misye toujou pran swen, kòmsi li tèlman respekte sa l ap fè a. Se kòmsi an deyò de mizik, w ap wè l yon lòt bagay. Men depi l kòmanse manyen, l ap fè bit oubyen l ap kreye, misye transfòme an lòt moun. So misye respekte sa, misye pa vle pou jwe ansanm a... L ap jwe wi, l ap bay blag, l ap ri nan studio a. Men lè se yon lòt bagay, kòmsi l ap vrèman fokis a yon nivo anraje, m pa janm bliye sa. M sonje lè m t ap travay kanaval mwen an ansanm avèk li, nan yon stidyo ki nan Tara’s, eee nou bay blag, nou bay blag, nou bay blag, nou bay blag epi lè moman an rive pou n kòmanse travay la, nou kòmanse frape. Misye son nèg ki ekstrawòdinè, tout sa misye fè ekstrawòdinè.

Do you have a favorite Mikaben song? If so, why that song?

M renmen tout mizik Mika. Youn nan mizik prefere m nan se, m te renmen depi m potko menm rankontre l, mizik sa rele ‘’I’m sorry’’. E yeah, m kwè sou youn nan albòm li. Mizik sa rele ‘’I’m sorry’’. Men m renmen tout mizik Mika. M renmen ‘’Fè lapli’’ anpil. M renmen tout mizik misye yo nèt. M renmen tout mizik Mika.

What will you miss the most about Mikaben?

Kisa ki manke m anpil kote Mika? M panse Mika an antye paske, eee gè de lè jiskaprezan m stil ap atann a yon apèl de li, pou l di m: ‘’Yo men m deyò a, tcheke m. Yo kote w ye la a? Yo mwen desann.’’ M panse tout bagay paske nou gen anpil bagay ke pou n te prepare ansanm. Nou te gen pwojè pou 2023 a ansanm. Nou gen mizik ki la a ke n poko soti ansanm. So gen anpil bagay ki manke m. Misye manke m sitou. Epi, kreyativite li, konsèy li toujou ap banmwen. Paske se mantò mwen, se konsèye m. So m panse tout

bagay manke m nèt, tout bagay de misye manke m nèt.

If you could’ve told Mikaben something before his death, what would you say to him?

Si m te ka di Mika yon bagay avan l mouri, m pa konn kòman bagay sa ka sòti paske jiskaprezan se kenbe m kenbe pou dlo pa sot nan je m la a. Eeee, m pa konnen kisa m ka di l paske deja m ap konnen ke l prale, di l yon bagay avan l ale vle di ke, kyèt... Se kòmsi si m ta gen pouvwa pou m ta di l yon bagay, m pap plis di l m ap plis fè. M tap petèt evite l sèn nan, m tap petèt evite tout fason, m tap petèt fè l ret lakay li ak fanmi l jis pou kèk bagay pa rive. Men, si se pou eksperyans mwen avèk Mika, so gen anpil eksperyans ke nou fè ansanm. Sitou nan ki gen pou wè ak mizik, e misye konsèye m anpil, ou konprann. Son nèg kòmsi m vrèman respekte. E m respekte tout zèv li yo nèt. So son nèg ke m pap janm bliye, se frè m. M renmen misye anpil e misye konnen jan m renmen l tou. Eeee bon, Bondye fè afè m jan l kapab. M espere ke Bondye ap mete misye nan yon plas epi anpil benediksyon pou fanmi Mika ke m ap toujou renmen. Vanessa, de bèl prensès yo li met sou tè a epi ti gason misye a. So anpil love pou tout fanmi an nèt, eee fanmi Fanfan epi fanmi Benjamin an nèt, Manman l, papa l, frè l, sè l, Ti Lion. So sa m ka di se ke, m panse nou pa merite sa. Men nou pa ka di plis ke sa tou, paske nou tout prale. Men se sa. Antouka Mika mwen renmen w anpil bro.

Bendino

(Mikaben’s main stylist)

On the afternoon of Friday, October 14, 2022, Mikaben and I briefly spoke because I was planning for him to meet our friend, a DJ called DJ Beeman, who lives in Germany, after Carimi’s Paris reunion. He was going to visit the Embassy of Haiti in Germany to shoot a music video of a song called Freedom Fighter, produced and co-written by Mikaben (Haiti) feat. Rosa Ree (Tanzania) and DJBeeman (Liberia). We ended the call. I was watching the live performance on one of my friend’s Instagram pages and suddenly it was interrupted. Then I left. Five minutes later, one

my friends, Wanly Florexile, who produced a movie titled “Life a Zoe” – which stars Mikaben, Tonton Bicha, and others – called to tell me that Mikaben had collapsed on stage right after his performance. I didn’t believe him, because I saw how he was moving on my other friend’s live Instagram. I called Ti Lionel, but he didn’t pick up. I sent him a message on WhatsApp.

I also sent a text message on WhatsApp to Carel. A few minutes later he replied to inform me my brother was dead. I was and am still speechless. Lots of people were calling to confirm because they knew

Mikaben was a downto-earth guy. He always liked things to be perfect. He was very respectful and helpful. He was altruistic.

He was a genius, the most talented Haïtian musician.

that Mikaben was very close to me. He is a legend. He is still here with us in spirit. We can always watch his videos and listen to his songs.

I see Mikaben almost every day because his great spirit works with me. The last time we were hanging out was on September 17 and 18, 2022. We were shooting the last scene of Life Of A Zoe in Brooklyn, New York, then he was performing at FYWTV’s second anniversary with

DJ Whookid, DJ MaryMac, Olivier Duret, and Fivio Foreign. We had a blast. Mikaben always made sure someone was smiling along with him. He was a genuine gentleman.

I was Mikaben’s main stylist, and custom designer. I was also one of his first international music coordinators. We worked on getting international collaborations,

international movies, mainstream publicities, music placements, life leadership, art and workshops in Haiti. I liked lots of things about my very good friend. Mikaben was a down-to-earth guy. He always liked things to be perfect. He was very respectful and helpful. He was altruistic. He was a genius, the most talented Haïtian musician.

Believe me when I say that every Mikaben song is my favorite. I believed in this guy’s talent. Lots of times, people ask me why I always play his songs.

Christian Surena Q&A

What were you doing when you first heard of Mikaben’s death, and what were your thoughts and reactions?

Just a few hours before the show, as he was going to the dressing room, was the last time I spoke to Mika via Facetime. I was excited about the history that was about to be made –and he did just that! I was watching his performance and witnessed him killing the stage before walking out and collapsing. I couldn’t believe what was happening and was devastated to know that he had left us. It was unreal. It still is.

What’s your earliest memory of Mikaben?

We both went to Saint Louis de Gonzague school, so I used to see him all the time. But our first real musical encounter was when my band at the time, SUAVE, had to perform at a show and Mikaben was part of the lineup. So, the deal was for the band to back him up playing “OU PATI”. He would come to my house for rehearsals. After that, we became brothers in life and in music.

Have you ever worked with MIKABEN? If so, what did you guys work on and how was it received?

Way too many times! As I stated earlier, performing OU PATI with him was the first time. We even became bandmates with KON’BEAT with Oli Duret. He recorded in my studio plenty of times, whether it was for his albums, Kai’s album, the tribute to Lionel Benjamin’s album, multiple Carnival songs. He even helped me develop my artist PASKA, to whom he was a mentor. I still am working with Mika’s team and family on future releases of his unreleased music to keep his legacy alive.

What did you like about Mikaben as an artist?

I loved his versatility. He could hop on any genre of music and kill it effortlessly. He was not a selfish musician and was ready to help whomever and whenever.

Do you have a favorite Mikaben song? If so, why that song?

I have so many. “Sim te gen zel”, “I’m sorry”, “Ou Pati”, “Ayiti Se” just to name a few, all for their lyrics and the melodies and the realness in his musical genius. Ayiti Se is so wellwritten. He didn’t leave anything out. If you want to know about Haiti and who we are, that’s the song!

What will you miss the most about Mikaben?

What did you like about Mikaben as an artist?

I loved his versatility. He could hop on any genre of music and kill it effortlessly. He was not a selfish musician and was ready to help whomever and whenever.

His friendship. He was always there for me, I was there for him. We were brothers, and I’m sure many will testify to the same thing. ‘Cause that’s who he was. His genuine personality. He was rarely mad or sad. His ability to turn a negative to a positive. His laughter, which I still hear from time to time when something funny or stupid crosses my mind or my timelines. His slogan: “Fem Konfyans”. Man, I miss Mika!

If you could’ve told Mikaben something before his death, what would you have said to him?

I love you, brother, and thank you for everything!

Pascalin “Paska” Smith

Q&A

What were you doing when you first heard of Mikaben’s death, and what were your thoughts and reactions?

I was watching the concert live on Instagram via Carimi’s drummer. I was so excited to see Mika perform. But all of a sudden, right after he left the stage, I heard he’d collapsed and the show had to stop due to a cardiac arrest. I was devastated. I would have never thought that this would end like that, at such a memorable moment.

What’s your earliest memory of Mikaben?

My earliest memory of Mikaben was when he released his Christmas song “nwel rev”. That song was so catchy and so good that I couldn’t stop listening to it. I started to pay more attention to his music. Since then, I’ve been a fan. I always dreamed of working with him. I finally met him for the first time on March 11, 2011, at a show that he did in Les Cayes, where I was living back then. We took our first picture together.

Have you ever worked with Mikaben?

We worked on several projects together. Some are out, some have not been finished or have yet to be released.

If so, what did you guys work on and how was it received?

We worked on a Christmas album to celebrate his dad, Lionel Benjamin, and we did a konpa cover song of Walking To The Moon by Bruno Mars, which the fans really enjoyed and loved. We collaborated on other songs as well, but as I said, they haven’t [been released] yet. Hopefully, with the permission of his family, we’ll be able to share them with fans in the future.

What did you like about Mikaben as an artist?

As an artist, what I always admired Mika for was his versatility. Mika could jump on any genre of music and would kill it effortlessly. He was a great performer and an incredible talent.

Do you have a favorite Mikaben song? If so, why that song?

My favorite Mika song is “Si m te gen zel”. Its melodies are so pure, and the lyrics are so meaningful. When I discovered that album, I knew that one day I would want to be just like him. This song has given me hope every time I’ve felt down or needed inspiration and motivation.

What will you miss the most about Mikaben?

What I will miss the most about Mika is his ability to push you to reach for greatness. He genuinely loved helping people and creating great music. And Mika is one of the funniest and most charismatic people I’ve ever known. I will be missing his catch phrases, like, ”Femkonfyans” after nearly every sentence. He was a great friend and a great mentor to me.

What will you miss the most about Mikaben?

What I will miss the most about Mika is his ability to push you to reach for greatness. He genuinely loved helping people and creating great music. And Mika is one of the funniest and most charismatic people I’ve ever known. I will be missing his catch phrases, like, ”Fem konfyans” after nearly every sentence. He was a great friend and a great mentor to me.

If you could’ve told Mikaben something before his death, what would you have said to him?

I would’ve told him that I loved him and that I was thankful for everything he’ taught me. He always believed in me, and my goal is to make him proud and be the best artist I can be, live up to his legacy, and even one day surpass it.

Serge “Power Surge” Turnier

Q&A

What were you doing when you first heard of Mikaben’s death, and what were your thoughts and reactions?

I was in Paris at the concert, watching it live. I had FaceTimed with Mika probably 20 minutes before he went on stage. We’d talked that day and had plans to go to dinner after the show and go watch PSG play the next day. At first, I didn’t know it was Mika that collapsed on stage. When I heard it was him, I immediately started reassuring myself by thinking positive things like, “It’s nothing serious, he probably just tripped.” Mika is known to be a super-clumsy guy and is always breaking things. So I thought he just fell. I never in a million years thought it was something serious. I still can’t believe it.

What’s your earliest memory of Mikaben?

My earliest memory of Mika is the “Byen Vag” days and “Perfection”. I remember us hanging out in freres at Pipo Brierre’s house, playing PlayStation with Grego. I know they are together in heaven now.

Have you ever worked with Mikaben? If so, what did you

What will you miss the most about Mikaben?

His genuine friendship. I’m gonna miss that the most. Being able to talk about everything and anything, not only about music. We were brothers.

guys work on and how was it received?

On many projects. My first working experience with Mika was with Suave, when we had a gig together probably in the late ’90s or early 2000s. He stepped in and helped me sequence “Ou Pati” and added elements he wanted in there. Then fast forward when I became Power Surge. I produced Mika’s first single after he left Krezi – “I’m Loving My Life” – then co-produced “Nap Kitel Pou Yo” with Black Dada. I also spent a lot of time working closely with Mika on producing and developing JPerry first’s album. And so many other projects. He would send me things and ask me for my

input all the time, and I would do the same. We had that type of relationship.

What did you like about Mikaben as an artist?

Everything. His soul, his energy, his honesty, his incredible ability to come up with awesome melodies – we share that in common – and most, importantly his [writing ability]. He was an incredible writer.

Do you have a favorite Mikaben song? If so, why that song?

“Count on me”. I love that song because he wrote it for a good friend of ours that passed away, Gregory Brierre. And it also explains the type of genuine person Mika is. Someone you can always count on.

What will you miss the most about Mikaben? His genuine friendship. I’m gonna miss that the most. Being able to talk about everything and anything, not only about music. We were brothers.

If you could’ve told Mikaben something before his death, what would you have said to him?

I love you forever, bro. You’re an amazing person and one of my best friends. You know this already, but I just want to remind you.

Samantha “Soleille” Colas

What were you doing when you first heard of Mikaben’s death, and what were your thoughts and reactions?

J’étais dans ma chambre entrain de suivre le grand événement de la soirée. Toute joyeus étais-je à ce beau spectacle que nous offrait Mika et Carimi. Quand je l’ai vu tombé, j’ai tout de suite penser à un malaise dû à la fatigue, parce que Mika était très impliqué dans la préparation de ce spectacle en prenant part à toutes les répétitions du Groupe.Et si son cas mériterait plus de soins, il serait hors de danger parce qu’il est dans un pays assez équipé médicalement donc il pourrait bien s’en sortir.

Loin de moi l’idée que cette chute serait tellement fatale au point de mourir. D’ailleurs sur quelque soit l’angle de sa performance on ne voyait pas un Mika fatigué ou souffrant . Le type était heureux de délivrer son show avec toute sa fougue et son charisme. Donk kijan poun ta panse la kel ta pral….. Voilà pourquoi quand j’ai lu sur les réseaux son décès j’étais vraiment abasourdie, mdi moun sa yo toujou ap ransè ! Fè prank! Epa vre Mika pa mouri. Et je dois vous avouer qu’il m’a fallu quelque jours pour accepter que il n’y est plus.

What’s your earliest memory of Mikaben?

le plus récent souvenir que j’ai de lui ; ce sont ces multiples publications pour nous tenir informés de l’ambiance des répétitions avant le concert.

Have you ever worked with Mikaben? If so, what did you guys work on and how was it received?

What did you like about Mikaben as artist?

Mika fut un artiste complet, très versatile je pense aussi c’est aussi cela qui lui a vallu sa popularité et cette appréciation au sein des ses confrères artistes. Mika nan tout rythme, tout beat, tout tematik kelke swa janl ba oul la wap renmenl. Ce qu’il chante est toujours agréable à l’oreille, tant auniveau mélodie que textuel.

En effet j’ai eu à travailler avec lui sur un projet du Ministère de la Santé en 2018 pour une campagne de sensibilisation contre la Malaria.Sur lequel, J-Perry , Belo ,BIC étaient aussi présents. Il était comme toujours, jovial , avec son large sourire contagieux qui lui arrive jusqu’aux oreilles, lap ri ak tout moun kom sil te konnenw. Sans oublier pap sispann swe a forte goutte, il a toujours chaud. Lol! Ensuite je lui ai parlé de mon show à la télé Soleil avec les enfants pour lequel il m’a félicité . J’avais profité à l’inviter pour nous offrir une perfomance. Effectivement, trois mois plus tard, il a bien honoré l’invitation. Ce jour là les enfants étaient tellement heureux de le voir. Il a fait son show et nous avions passer du bon temps en sa compagnie.

What did you like about Mikaben as artist?

Mika fut un artiste complet, très versatile je pense aussi c’est aussi cela qui lui a vallu sa popularité et cette appréciation au sein des ses

confrères artistes. Mika nan tout rythme, tout beat, tout tematik kelke swa janl ba oul la wap renmenl. Ce qu’il chante est toujours agréable à l’oreille, tant au niveau mélodie que textuel.

Do you have a favorite Mikaben song? If so, why that song?

Dans son registre musicale « sim te gen zèl » reste et demeure pour moi sa meilleure. C’est une musique assez simple mais très profond, qui saura parcourir plusieurs générations.

What will you miss the most about Mikaben?

C’est sûr qu’à chaque fois je verrai sur scène son père, la bande à Carimi ou même chacun d’eux dans leur groupe respectif , je penserai à lui. Pas plus tard que le 5 décembre dernier lors d’un bal de Richard j’ai eu la peur de ma vie…. En écoutant Richard reprendre Baby I miss you epi pandan pati Mika misye di mesdames et messieurs nous avons une surprise pour vous( vraiment je ne sais pas ce qui m’avait pris à ce moment). Mezanmi kem fè vap! Mdi bèl bagay li pat mouri vre epil parèt la. Saw tande a, I was like bagay la te réel mon cœur s’est mis à battre tellement fort mdi Jesus!! Men li pral parèt….. Mais hélas!

If you could’ve told Mikaben something before his death, what would you have said to him?

Malheureusement je n’ai pas eu la chance de connaître la personne en soi, je veux dire Mika en tant qu’ami, mais j’ai grandi en écoutant Mika . Merci Mika pour ce type d’artiste que tu as été, sois fier de ton parcours sur cette terre parmi nous et merci de bien vouloir recevoir nos hommages qui témoignent de notre appréciation à l’égard de la qualité de star que tu as été. Haïti est fière de t’avoir eu comme fils.

Sandy Dorsainvil Q&A

What were you doing when you first heard of Mikaben’s death, and what were your thoughts and reactions?

I was at the Ayiti Community Trust Fundraising Gala when I first heard about Mika’s death. I was shocked. I had been speaking to friends who were in Paris for the concert all day and was getting constant updates about how great everything was going. I was stunned when I heard the news.

What did you like about Mikaben as an artist?

What I liked most about Mika as an artist was his humility. He was such a humble soul. His music spoke to all people. I loved his diversity and his ability to blend all types of Caribbean music together.

What’s your earliest memory of Mikaben?

My earliest memory of Mikaben is being in Haiti on vacation with my family and watching one of his music videos on Haitian television.

Have you ever worked with Mikaben? If so, what did you guys work on and how was it received?

I had the pleasure of working with Mika on several occasions. He was always supportive of the work we’ve

been trying to do in Little Haiti, Miami. Whenever we called on him, he was ready to lend his voice to a community event. He performed for sounds of Little Haiti, Compa, on the roof, at our annual earthquake vigil. Sadly, his last performance was the memorial service for the late president of Haiti, Jovenel Moise. His performances were always wellreceived. Our audiences always felt a connection to his beautiful lyrics and heart-tugging melodies.

Do you have a favorite Mikaben song? If so, why that song?

Kembé M is one of my favorite love songs. It always puts me in a good mood. It brings me to my happy place.

What will you miss the most about Mikaben?

I will miss his presence. He was always here each time we needed to bring the community together in times of turmoil. His music always reminded us of peace and love.

If you could’ve told Mikaben something before his death, what would you have said to him?  I would say thank you for your voice, for your love of Haiti, and for your example.

I worked with Mica many times over the years, but I felt closest to him during the planning of his memorial services. Seeing all his work and all the impact he had on other artists made me see him clearly. He was on earth to do a job, and he did it well. He is missed.

Fatima Altieri

Q&A

What were you doing when you first heard of Mikaben’s death, and what were your thoughts and reactions?

I was on my way to get a plant called a Rose of Jericho. It was a Saturday and the only store that had it was about to close, so I was rushing. A friend of mine in Paris called me, crying. She mentioned him and I yelled. I immediately knew something really bad had happened because I’d seen a tweet from Carel saying that he’d fainted after his performance. I cherish that plant a lot. The label said that plant can live up to seven years with little water. It’s a plant that’s hard to kill, just like Mikaben’s spirit.

What’s your earliest memory of Mikaben?

“Nwèl tristès” used to be on the radio every Christmas.s That’s my earliest memory of him.

Have you ever worked with Mikaben? If so, what did you guys work on and how was it received?

We did countless events together. We shared the stage quite a few times. We worked on “Drapo’m anba po’m” with Belo, BIC, Wanito, Jperry, Geraldo, Medjy, Ayiiti, Jean Jean Roosevelt, Darline Desca, Mandela, Shishie, QueenBee, and Misty Jean. It was a successful project the public received well. The last project we worked on is not out yet.

What did you like about Mikaben as an artist?

His versatility, for sure.

Do you have a favorite Mikaben song? If so, why that song?

Ouhhh … not just one. Count on me, si m ye gen zèl, Haiti se… I can’t choose just one.

What will you miss the most about Mikaben? His essence.

If you could've told Mikaben something before his death, what would you have said to him?

I would have told him, thank you. Thank you for your contribution to the Haitian music industry. And that I’m honored that my generation had a talent like you.

If you could’ve told Mikaben something before his death, what would you have said to him?

I would have told him, thank you. Thank you for your contribution to the Haitian music industry. And that I’m honored that my generation had a talent like you.

Alain Lemaire Q&A

What were you doing when you first heard of Mikaben’s death, and what were your thoughts and reactions?

When I first heard the news, I was hosting a Haitian cooking class for a foundation. As always, my phone was muted, and since I was caught up, I wasn’t paying attention to my WhatsApp group messages. We were almost done when one of the guests was on social media. I could hear CaRiMi playing, and I said to him: “Ah nèg yo ap byen pase wi!” And that’s when he broke down news to me. I couldn’t believe it, so I went to our chat group. That’s when I started reading what was going on. And a few minutes later, just like everyone, I got the confirmation of his death.

What’s your earliest memory of Mikaben?

Wow! We have so many memories together, from school in Haiti to the most recent one, when we were discussing social issues, as always. It was always a great time when you were talking to him.

Have you ever worked with Mikaben? If so, what did you guys work on, and how was it received?

I worked with him on projects for Kouka’s Closet on several occasions. But I’ll regret not having the chance to fulfill our dream of working directly together. We were planning on doing “Vybez and Bites.” Hopefully, I can continue this project in his honor.

What did you like about Mikaben as an artist?

Mika was a very talented artist who could jam on any beat, any style, at any time. But the best part was that he was always humble. His humility was his superpower.

What will you miss the most about Mikaben?

I will miss his laughter, his smile, his silliness, his "joie de vivre", but most of all his love for others.

Do you have a favorite Mikaben song? If so, why that song?

Yes!!! I love a lot of his songs: “Ayiti se”, “Pouki se li”, “Ti pam lan”, and so on. My favorite has to be “Ayiti Se” because of how he describes the country, the landscape, the food, the culture, the music, etc. Every time I listen to this song, I just see Haiti right in front of me.

What will you miss the most about Mikaben?

I will miss his laughter, his smile, his silliness, his “joie de vivre”, but most of all his love for others.

If you could’ve told Mikaben something before his death, what would you have said to him?

I think Mika knew how much he was appreciated and cared for, especially by those around him. I don’t have any regrets or anything about what I would’ve told him while he was alive because I always told him how I felt about him, his career, and how proud he made us Haitians.

You can share anything else, like experiences and encounters you’ve had with Mikaben below: One thing I can tell you about Mika is that he was a very passionate person. He was always looking forward to sharing and gaining knowledge. If you were in a group chat with Mika, I can guarantee you that, if there were over 250 unread messages, he started the thread.

THANK YOU For Pre-Ordering The Mikaben Homage Edition

Edline Pierre

Victoria Pasquet

Graher Jasmin

Michel Petithomme

Franckline Jean-Baptiste

Azvelyn Paul

Sainte Fanie

Maolanie N. Bondu

Ceez Carter

Sheika Eliassaint

Kathia Pierre

Neila Rachel Denis

Stephane Pierre

Clifford Cham

Marie Jean-Pierre

Robenson Lauvince

Noadia Amardy

Herdjy Florus

Wileen Scott

Don Joseph

Marinelle Jean Baptiste

Richard Lestage

Kimberly McNair-Myers

Winnie Felix

Circe Gedeon

Louise Boucicaut

Betty Delphin

Chelsea Desamours

Patrick Cherizard

yasmide pierre louis

Joliette Charlot

Lesly Victor

Neama Baolancourt

Nadege Jerome

Herard j junior Blain

Jutelande Agenor

Maguy Cameau

Elisa Cange

Kimberly Semexant

Innocia Salomon

Frederica Pierre

Jose Metzaly Jean Jacques

Valerie Eugene

Tamara Pluviose

Stephania Oliver

Florian Honore

Judith Mehu

Nancy Jean-Baptiste

Marie F Maximilien

Dashelle Disna

Marie Dalce

Celia Mondesir

Dona Louis

Michaelle Mauch

Michaelle Mauch

Chantale Momplaisir

Ermide Virgile

Alexandra Joseph

Martine Dorvil

Kathleen Raymond

Marie-Carmelle Deus

Astrid Williams

Valerie Buckley

Daphnee Bergeau

Steeve Deolus

Sindy Eustache

Tamara Lemke

Vanessa Exama

Gilda Santerre

Magdala Joseph

Regine Beauboeuf

Cherline Datus

Jay Babineaux

Nandi Campbell

Milca Beauvil

Diana Harrigan

Myrlande Desulma

Josaoe Boisson Brisson

Lugenie Vena

Tamara Cazi

Tamara Lefranc

Marie Marthe Bertrand

Christine Perkins

Martine Dorgely

Gilles Beauvoir

Elizabeth Chery-Mullen

Nathalia Bosquet

Sendie Faustin

Gaelle Blanchet

Karline Piquion

Michele Boigris

Khadijah Ndiaye

Viergela Estabine

Tiffany Douyon

Nickling StFleur Rrustemaj

Mideline Gene

Syndie Marseille Ruth Jean

Marline Nelson

Marsha Sealy

Neide Celestin

Nancy Edouard

Nasya Moise

Trisha Antoine

Marie Lamerique

Norma Bernard

Anne Marie Lissa Maxi

Betty Antoine

Patricia Assad

Daienca Pierre

Victoire ARATUS

Aisha Jack Dj Childs

Natasha Desjardins

Duckencia Chauvet

Nancie Louis

Melissa Marchand

Fabienne Severin

Cassandra Phara

Darline Gracia

Elsie Theodore

Gwen Viaud

Jardith StLouis

Anise Anisso

Jenny V T Marcelin

Patrice Williams

Betina Poitevien

Melissa Charles

Martine Mealing

Wilhelmine Joseph

Adonachelle Calixte

Mose Nadly Menard

Erline Antoine

Fabiola Conille

Christel Jean Viersin

Marie Andree C Aubry

Johanne Valmont

Pierre-Richard Gaston

Tricia Jacob

Khadijah Ndiaye

Mia Lopez

Yvechelle Labady

Anne-Lyne Verella

Edwin Lamothe

Christela Rejouis

Hugues Cherestal

Fabienne Saint Preux

Monique Meleance

Christine Williams

Daniele zamor

Joelle Thevenin

Jocelyne Bellance

Ketty Queen

Joanne Senesca

Saymie St. Phard

Orgline Michel

Martine Mathelier

Derline Rouillere

Nathalie Tarte

Daphney Cantave

Dominique Saint-Joy-Hill

Betie Delienne

Ruth Marcel

Danaee Bien-Aime

Martine Verne

Carline Petiote

Kelly Krow

Daphne Meus

Dawn Olaughlin

Odile Plancher

Natasha Gerard

Nadine Barthole

Christine Deller

Melissa Brun

Cynthia Noel

Marly Delatour Gabriel

Emmanuelle Pierre

Susan Telsaint

Geraldine Dory

Wilnie Belfort

Georgy Roc

Anne Lafortune

Nadine Pierre

Linda Pierre Louis

Wilnie Belfort

Tiny Vasseaux

Edwidge Adam

Kencia Salomon

Josepha Duverger

Cynthia Lauriston

Maria Montijo

Elenia Alfred

Jeanine Narcisse

Florancia Fanfan

Esaie Joseph

Peggy Montlouis

Sahïda Saint-Pierre

Jessica Lamarre

Valery Eustache

Widline Lesperance

Ludgert Duliepre

Elisa Cange

Francoise Labossiere

Angelique olibrice

Ketylia Felix

Indra Fouche

Francoise Deristel-Leger

Beatrice Lauture

Sabaruti Delaleu

Leslie Raymond

Bianca Egalite

Sable Infante

Tamarah Etienne

Marsha Champagne

Glendy Louis

Alexandra Destin

Altagracia Lamothe

Stephanie Excellent

Faina Lunn

Dominique Bernard

Stephanie Pierre Louis

Dieunaldine Adam

Dorothy Felix

Valerie Cantave

Aliane Phanord

Jean Marc Perry

Dominique Nemorin

Adeline Ciceron

Flose LaPierre

pascale anselme

Castera, Johanne

Marie Cathia Appolon

Fredeline Pierre Louis

Nicki Legrand

Evelyne Moise

Sabine Osias

Berline Gustave

Rolanda Beaubrun

Daphnee Sandy

Thermonvil

Leanza Lormil

Kelly Constant

Benson Camille

Goseline Luc

Lindsay Largent

Serge Turnier

Isabelle Spaulding

Kidzye Calestin

Marsy Zephir

Michal Grimes

Marie Emmanuella Etienne

Patrick Sejour

Monique Antoine

Claire Augustin

Jenny Jean-Baptiste

Belinda Desrosiers

Tasha Douge

Kimara Bradley

Alexandra Jerome

Lindsay Tropnas

Constance Leys

Emmania Claudyne Vilfrant

Claudine Chataigne

Yves Stfort

Ruthe Quetant

Carline Plaisume

Marie Casimir

Shirline Alexander

Paulette Pierre-louis

Daniella Tanis

Kathy Simeon

Medjine Valcourt

Esther Estime

Melissa Desgrottes

Melissa Desgrottes

Stephanie Cineus

Julie Figueroa

Jennifer Jolifils

Rose Augustin

Lucius Jean Kamis Ley

Lynn Lohier

Stacy Malia

Yolanda Camilus

Ideline Benjamin

Sherley Lohier

Deva Taylor

Jessica Exantus

Kerlyne Simeon

Beatrice St Germain

Daphney Chavannes

Mirlesna Azor-Sterlin

Marie-L Sainvilus-Elie

Marie-L Sainvilus-Elie

Jacques Janvier

Kamis Ley

Serge Destin

Shachline Lalanne

Geneiva Tennant

Yvelande Cajuste

Danielle Fleurimond

Betty Delphin

Stradine Harris

Josias Jean-Pierre

Luce Chery

Nancy Cineus

Valesca Desir

Bianca Joseph

Christhele Bien-Aime

Regine Villain

Rose Toussaint

Marie Gaspard

Stephalene Appolon

Rosema Nemorin

Nathalie Direny

Jean Nabosse

Sandra Doll

Sandy Nicolas

Christine S Evrard

Moanne Joseph

Cindy Vincent

Jennifer Riche

Tanya Baptiste

Keslee Desulme

Lidia Metayer-Jacques

Rachelle Joseph

Mary Theodore

Stephanie Guillaume

Linda Raoul

Carmelle Chery

Yves Benjamin

Yvrose Darand

Lori Georges

Phania Jerome

Myriam Anselme

Daphney Camille

Wendy Paul

Pascale Dixon

Manoucheka Philantrope

Sandy Dorsainvil

MIKABEN WAS FLEUR DE VIE’S AMBASSADOR in beliefs and in actions

In 2016 Fleur De Vie was planning our annual fundraiser for our Back to School project. When it came to what entertainment we should give our guest, it was a unanimous vote to go with Mikaben so he could sing “Ayiti Se”. After that event, Mikaben believed in our mission and wanted to get involved to help whichever way he could. Fast forward to a conversation with him in early 2018, the topic was about making music and turned to his social missions.

So in September of that year, Mikaben joined us in our work to promote Back to School to our students in Anse A Veau. Within minute of arriving to the remote area, the gentle giant emerged from a van of volunteers and turned into one of the students of the school playing and singing with fellow classmates. These kids all young in age didn’t realize they were singing with a country superstar. To them they were having fun, and to Mikaben that’s all that matter.

An organization ambassador is not just someone who puts out a few post on social media to gain buzz, it’s someone who believes in the mission of the organization, gets involved with the organization, and makes sure to make a long standing impact. That was Mikaben for us. And when the news broke of his tragic passing, the first call we got was from our school in Anse A Veau. In rebuilding our school in Anse A Veau, they already requested planting a tree in his honor. Mikaben too was a Fleur De Vie.

When asked if there was a cause he holds particular to his heart, he replied with, “The kids are the future, so I would say the protection of kids is one of my main causes.”

11 th Anniversary Little Haiti Cultural Complex January 12th, 2021

Photos by Ricardo Saint-Cyr