Haitians around the world are paying tribute to singer Mikaben after his sudden death.
The acclaimed artist, whose real name was Michael Benjamin, died after collapsing on stage while exiting his performance in Paris on Oct. 15. He was 41.
Shocked fans shared videos of the moment Mikaben collapsed on social media, which showed the singer stopping his performance unexpectedly to walk toward the back of the stage. At that point, MIkaben falls to the floor.
Medics were immediately called to render aid to the musician, and he was given CPR. Fans were asked to leave the venue as the medical team worked to revive Mikaben. However, he sadly passed away. His cause of death has not yet been revealed.
E! News has reached out to Mikaben’s rep for comment but has not heard back yet.
The following day, Accor Arena, the venue where MIkaben last performed, confirmed the singer’s death on social media.
Celebrity Deaths: 2022’s Fallen Stars
“Last night during the Carimi concert,” the arena tweeted Oct. 16, “one of the singers, Michael Benjamin, Mikaben of his artist name died following a malaise on stage and despite the intervention of the emergency services.”
Mikaben leaves behind his wife Vanessa Benjamin, who is currently expecting their third child, and two kids.
Three-time Grammy winner Wyclef Jean said the news of Mikaben’s death “is a shock.”
“All I could remember was his smile,” he told the Miami Herald Oct. 17. “This is one of the most influential and inspirational young artists of our generation.”
Singer Roberto Martino told the publication that he is in “disbelief” about Mikaben’s passing. “This is somebody I was working with for years and considered a brother, a good friend,” he said. “We talked almost everyday. We have a chat together.”
Martino added, “Mika was one of the most talented artists that I had ever met in my life. One of the most humble guys; you never heard him being mad or cursing at anybody. It’s just sad. Unbelievable.”
Haitian prime minister Ariel Henry tweeted, “I’m shocked by the sudden death of the young and very talented artist Michael Benjamin ‘Mikaben.’ We have lost a major figure in Haitian music.”
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
