[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 174 (Thursday, November 10, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING MICHAEL ``MIKABEN'' BENJAMIN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 10, 2022

  Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, as a congressional 
representative of the Haitian community in South Florida, I rise to 
honor the life and legacy of Haitian music icon Michael ``Mikaben'' 
Benjamin.
  Born in 1981 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to legendary Haitian singer 
Lionel and famed doctor Roseline Benjamin, Michael was just 16 years 
old when he was introduced to the Haitian music scene with his 
performance of ``Nwel Tristes'' alongside his sister Melodie Benjamin. 
He released his first album Vwayaj that following year, which featured 
one of his most popular hits, ``Ou Pati.'' The success of ``Ou Pati'' 
would pave his musical journey as a singer, composer, and producer. He 
would go on to release more hits such as``Ayiti Se,'' ``TI Pam Nan,'' 
``Fe Lapli,'' and ``Marry Me,'' He would also sing and produced hits 
such as ``Fanm Sa Move'' and ``Baby I Missed You'' for Carimi and hits 
for other global music acts including Kai, Enposib, Harmonik, Kreyol 
La, T-Vice, Karizma, Alan Cave, Ruthshelle Guillaume, Leila Chicot, J-
Perry, and Lionel Benjamin, his father. Mikaben's music transcended 
genres and cultures. Along with his musical accomplishments, Mikaben 
will be remembered for being a loving son, husband, father, patriot, 
mentor, and philanthropist.
  He empowered many Haitian children through his Ti Souf Foundation. 
The image of him draped in the Haitian flag while performing with 
Carimi, moments before his passing, is indelibly etched in the minds 
and hearts of millions of Haitians and others around the world.
  On October 15, 2022, Mikaben suddenly collapsed while walking off 
stage after performing his hit song ``Ou Pati.'' He was later 
pronounced dead despite medical intervention. He was performing in 
front of a sold-out audience at a reunion concert for Carimi, a famed 
Haitian band, that was held at Eastern Paris? Accor Arena. Mikaben is 
survived by his pregnant wife Vanessa Fanfan, his two children, and his 
parents, Lionel and Roseline Benjamin, He is also survived by his two 
siblings and countless fans from around the world.
  Understandably, the Haitian community has been devastated by the 
sudden passing of Mikaben. The community has galvanized to honor him 
and support his family. Madam Speaker and everyone in this nation, 
please join me in honoring the life and legacy of legendary musician 
Michael ``Mikaben'' Benjamin.

                          ____________________