Mikaben, Haitian singer, dead at age 41 after collapsing on stage

Haitian singer and musician Mikaben, whose real name is Michael Benjamin, has died at the age of 41 following a medical incident on stage in Paris over the weekend. He was performing with the Haitian group Carimi at the Accor Arena on Saturday when he became ill, according to a statement from the venue. Despite the intervention of emergency services, Mikaben passed away after fainting on stage.

The Accor Arena tweeted on Sunday, “Last night during the Carimi concert, one of the singers, Michael Benjamin, Mikaben, died after fainting on stage and despite the intervention of emergency services. The whole team at Accor Arena is terribly affected and sends all of its support to his family and loved ones during this painful time.”

His wife, Vanessa Fanfan, shared tributes on Instagram, writing, “Heavenly Father, I know you don’t make mistakes and you won’t give us what we can’t bear, but… this pain is very heavy. Help me please, oh merciful Lord.”

Mikaben was also remembered by singer Wyclef Jean, who captioned a video of the two artists together shared on Twitter, “Rest In Peace King @mikaben Gone too soon #haiti.”

Mikaben, the son of Hatian singer Lionel Benjamin, composed, produced, and performed various hit songs with Carimi, including “Baby I Missed You,” which has over 9 million views on Youtube.