Mika Ben was a 41-year-old Haitian singer, songwriter, and producer, who became famous for being a versatile musician. He played different instruments and sang in different languages including Creole and Spanish.
The father of two slumped on stage, while he was performing in Paris, France, and died shortly after, from what was suspected to be a cardiac arrest. He is survived by his wife, Vanessa Fanfan, and two children, Gabriel and Leia Benjamin.
What Caused the Death of Mika Ben?
On Saturday, October 15, 2022, the singer slumped during his show with a Haitian band, Carimi, at the Accor Arena in Paris, France. The Haitian singer died after all efforts to resuscitate him failed.
He made his way backstage where he collapsed. By the time emergency responders arrived, he was already having seizures, and moments later he was declared dead. His cause of death has not been revealed, however, it is suspected to be a result of a heart attack.
The Life and Biography of Mika Ben
Mika Ben whose real name was Michael Benjamin was born on June 27, 1981, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. His father was a famous Haitian musician, Lionel Benjamin.
The superstar did not attend college and had no regrets. He believed that education is not about going to college but about being street-smart while learning about finance. He thought that the greatest mistake people make is not teaching young kids about finance and how to manage money later in life.
The singer sang in Creole, French, English, and Spanish, and also played many instruments. He composed, produced, and sang on Carimi’s Albums and has collaborated with different artists including his father, Lionel Benjamin, Stanley Georges, Alan Cave, and Wesli Band.
Michael Benjamin is a father of two, Gabriel Benjamin and Leia Benjamin, and the founder of Kon’beat Records.
Who is Mika Ben’s Wife?
Vanessa Fanfan is the wife of the late Haitian singer, Michael Benjamin. She was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to Pierrot Fanfan, a businessman, and his wife. Her siblings include Karroll-Ann Fanfan and Tatiana Fanfan.
The duo got married in November 2020, and they welcomed their first child, a girl Leia Benjamin in 2021.
After her husband’s death was announced, she confirmed it on Instagram and requested that people stop calling her as she is not in the right headspace after losing her “other half”. She also requested prayers for her family in their moment of grief.
Other Facts about Late Haitian Singer, Mika Ben
1. His Career Spanned over 20 years
Mika Ben began his career as a composer at the age of 15. At 16, he participated in an annual competition of Christmas music organized by a Haitian TV station, Telemax, where he did exceptionally well, and soon, he became one of the most sought-after singers in Haiti.
In 1999, Mika decided to pursue his career as a solo artist and recorded his first album titled “Vwayaj”, which he released in December 2000. He released his second album, “Mika” in 2004, and it became very successful, especially in Canada, where he was residing at the time.
He returned to Haiti in 2005 and joined a band called “Krezi Mizik”, with whom he toured the US, Canada, the Caribbean, France, and Belgium. However, in June 2009 he quit the band and became a solo artist once again.
2. His father is a renowned Haitian singer
Lionel Benjamin, the father of the late Haitian singer and songwriter, Mika Ben, is a Haitian musician who rose to fame in the 1980s. His first album was released in 1979, however, he did not become popular until the 90s, after the release of his Christmas album titled “Lionel Benjamin” in 1981.
One of the songs on his second album has become an anthem for most Haitians during the Christmas festivities. That earned him the nickname, “Haitian Santa Claus”.
3. Michael Benjamin had a Child Before Getting Married to his Wife, Vanessa
The Haitian singer had a son, Gabriel Benjamin, fondly called Gaby, from a previous relationship. He celebrates his birthday every September 28. However, there is no information on the year of his birth or who his mother is.
Gabriel lives with his father, stepmother, and sister, Leia Benjamin.
4. The Haitian Singer was Expecting his 3rd Child from his Wife
On August 2, 2022, Mika and his wife, Vanessa Fanfan announced via the singer’s Instagram that they were expecting their second child together in December of the same year.
He said he was anxious to meet the baby and see what the baby is going to look like. Unfortunately, he died before he could witness the birth of his 3rd child.
See Also: Mike Schank: Bio, Wife, Cause Of Death, Other Unknown Facts
5. His Death was Mourned by Many Celebrities and Fans
Mika Ben was mourned by Haitian celebrities including award-winning rapper, Wyclef Jean. The Fugees singer expressed his shock over the death of the Haitian musician. He referred to him as “One of the most talented young men that he has known in his life”.
H was also mourned by Haiti’s Prime Minister, Ariel Henry who wrote:
“The country and the Haitian youth have lost a beautiful soul, I extend my condolences to his family, his friends, and the music community as a whole.”
A lot of other fans have expressed sadness over the death of the music artist and sent their love to the family he left behind.
According to statistics, Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality among Haitians. It has surpassed HIV in the past decade. Other famous people who have died from similar situations include Raju Srivastav, Sherry Shriner, and Hughie Thomasson.
