Tragedy on stage: singer Mikaben (41) dies in the middle of a concert
Accor Arena in Paris, Saturday, October 15. Haitian singer Mikaben gave a sensational concert to thousands of people when, suddenly, he collapsed to the ground, and there was silence.
After a few minutes of panic and confusion, the concert was suspended and the spectators, bewildered and frightened and not knowing what was happening, were evacuated from the venue.
On Sunday, October 16, the organization of the Accor Arena confirmed the worst: Mikaben, 41 years old, had died on stage.
Photo: Accor Arena Paris / Twitter
"He died after suffering a seizure on stage and despite the efforts of emergency services," the Accor Arena confirmed on Instagram.
Photo: @mikaben509 / Instagram
Michael Benjamin, the real name of the Haitian artist, was only 41.
Photo: @mikaben509 / Instagram
As local media have reported, the cause of death was a heart attack.
Photo: @mikaben509 / Instagram
Mikaben was a very famous artist in and outside of Haiti. It was no coincidence he filled the Accor Arena in Paris, far from his home country.
Photo: @mikaben509 / Instagram
In fact, the Prime Minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry, was one of the first to say farewell to the singer on Twitter.
Photo: @mikaben509 / Instagram
"I am shocked by the news of the sudden death of the young and very talented artist Michael Benjamin 'Mikaben.' A great icon of Haitian music has just passed away," he tweeted.
Photo: @DrArielHenry / Twitter
In addition, he wrote: "The country and young people of Haiti have lost a beautiful soul. I offer my condolences to his family, his friends, and to the musical community as a whole."
Photo: @mikaben509 / Instagram
Mikaben's tour came to France accompanied by 'Carimi,' the well-known Haitian kompa music group.
Photo: @mikaben509 / Instagram
Mikaben wasn't only a successful solo artist, with hits like 'Ou Pati', but also a popular collaborator with people like Alan Cave and DJ Michael.
Photo: @mikaben509 / Instagram
Michael Benjamin married Vanessa Fanfan in November 2020. The couple welcomed their first daughter in 2021.
Photo: @mikaben509 / Instagram
The couple was expecting their second baby in December 2022. The death of the singer is very hard news for a young and growing family.
The moment Mikaben collapsed on stage was captured by thousands of cameras packed into the Accor Arena in Paris.
Photo: @mikaben509 / Instagram
Despite the initial scare, few people thought that the singer's collapse was going to result in his death. They inadvertently filmed a man dying.