Michael Benjamin (June 27, 1981 – October 15, 2022), better known as Mikaben, was a Haitian singer, songwriter and record producer.

Mikaben
Birth nameMichael Benjamin
Also known asMika, Mikaben
Born(1981-06-27)June 27, 1981
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
DiedOctober 15, 2022(2022-10-15) (aged 41)
12th arrondissement of Paris, France
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • producer
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • piano
Years active1999–2022

Life and career

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Michael Benjamin was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on 27 June 1981. He was the son of Haitian singer Lionel Benjamin. He began his career in 1999 in a Christmas contest televised special that was hosted every December called "Konkou Chante Nwel" where he won fifth place. Michael Benjamin was known as a producer, a singer, and a songwriter and dabbled in many Afro-Caribbean genres such as konpa, twoubadou, rap kreyol, soca, and reggae.[1][2]

Death

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On the night of 15–16 October 2022, Benjamin died during a concert at the Accor Arena in Paris. He was 41 years old.[3][4] He suffered a cardiac arrest on stage during his performance. Benjamin succumbed shortly after, despite rescue efforts.[5]

References

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  1. ^ "Mort du chanteur haïtien Mikaben en plein concert à Paris". letelegramme.fr. October 16, 2022. Archived from the original on October 18, 2022. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
  2. ^ "Le chanteur haïtien Mikaben est mort samedi sur scène, lors d'un concert à Paris" [Haitian singer Mikaben died Saturday on stage, during a concert in Paris]. Le Monde (in French). October 16, 2022. Archived from the original on October 18, 2022. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
  3. ^ Charles, Jacqueline (October 16, 2022). "Michael "Mikaben" Benjamin. Haitian recording artist is dead. He was 41". miamiherald.com. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
  4. ^ Duval, Frantz (October 16, 2022). "Michael Benjamin meurt sur scène en plein concert de Carimi". lenouvelliste.com. Archived from the original on October 18, 2022. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
  5. ^ Baronian, Renaud (October 16, 2022). "Décès sur scène du chanteur Mikaben : "Haïti a perdu l'un de ses flambeaux"". leparisien.fr. Archived from the original on October 18, 2022. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
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