Posthumous tribute: the French Senate decorates the artist Michaël Benjamin known as Mikaben for his contribution to Haitian culture
The “Senate Medal” was presented to the family of Michaël Benjamin, alias Mikaben, by the President of the French Senate, Gérard Larcher, during a ceremony held on May 30, 2024, in the presence of the Haitian ambassador to Paris
L’Embassy of Haiti in France in a note announced that following a special request from Jean Josué Dahomey Pierre, Ambassador of Haiti to France, the President of the Senate of the French Republic, Mr. Gérard Larcher, posthumously awarded the “Senate Medal” to Haitian artist Michaël Benjamin, known as Mikaben. This distinction was presented this Thursday, May 30 in the presence of his parents during a ceremony attended by the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassadors of the countries of the Latin America and Caribbean Group (GRULAC) as well as French officials.
The Senate decoration pays tribute to Mikaben’s immense contribution to Haitian culture on the international music scene and recognizes the significant impact of his message in Haiti. Mikaben embodied the beauty of Haitian youth and served as a cultural bridge, inspiring thousands of lives through his commitment and passion for music. His legacy will live on through his works and the contagious love he had for his country.
Born in Port-au-Prince in 1981, Mikaben was a versatile artist, singer, composer, guitarist and producer, who marked his generation with his talent and dedication. Son of famous Haitian singer and lyricist Lionel Benjamin and Roseline Benjamin, Mikaben grew up in a musical world, mastering several instruments and singing in several languages, including Haitian Creole, French, English and Spanish.
He began his musical career very young, composing his first piece at 15. At 16, he distinguished himself during a musical competition in Montreal. His first solo album, “JOURNEY” (voyage), launched in 2000, enjoyed resounding success, particularly with the song “You’re Going” (you’re gone). In 2004, he released his second album “MIKA”followed by the formation of the group “Krezi MIZIK” in 2005, achieving phenomenal success with international tours.
In 2009, Mikaben resumed his solo career and composed in 2010 “A Little Breath for Haiti” (breath of respite for Haiti) after the earthquake in Haiti. This song inspired the creation of the “TiSouf Foundation” for the happiness of Haitian children. His album “LOCAL ARTIST WILL NEVER LET GO” released the following summer, was well received in Haiti.
Son tube “Haiti is” has become an anthem to love of country, celebrating the beauty of the Haitian landscape and the country’s cultural heritage. Until his final concert in Paris where he died on October 15, 2022, Mikaben lived with passion and dedication.
The decoration of the Senate will be given to his father, Lionel Benjamin, as part of the “Latin America and Caribbean Weeks” (SALC), an annual opportunity for France to honor this region and celebrate the bonds of friendship shared.
The choice to nominate Mikaben for this posthumous distinction is a way of saluting the memory of this great Haitian artist and of expressing sympathies to his family, in particular to his widow Vanessa, his children Gabriel, Leïa, Maïa, his father Lionel Benjamin, his mother Roseline Benjamin, his brother Lionel Benjamin fils known as Ti-lion, his sister Mélodie, as well as the entire community of his fans around the world, deeply touched by his premature death, concluded the note from the embassy of Haiti in France.
The “Senate Medal” was presented to the family of Michaël Benjamin, alias Mikaben, by the President of the French Senate, Gérard Larcher, during a ceremony held on May 30, 2024, in the presence of the Haitian ambassador to Paris
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