Haitian musician Mikaben suddenly collapsed lifeless at a concert in Paris on Saturday. All rescue attempts fail - the 41-year-old is dead. He leaves behind a daughter and his pregnant wife. She now finds heartbreaking words.
The importance of the Haitian singer Mikaben for his home country can be seen not least in the reactions to his death. Not only the Prime Minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry, was "shocked". Ex-Fugees rapper Wyclef Jean also praised Mikaben as "one of the most influential and inspiring young artists of our generation".
The singer suddenly collapsed on stage during a performance in Paris on Saturday night. The rescue workers who rushed to the scene were unable to help him. He died at just 41 years old.
Shortly thereafter, Mikaben's wife Vanessa spoke up in a short written statement on Instagram. "Thanks for the prayers but please stop calling me. I'm unable to speak. I've lost my other half and I have no words," she said succinctly.
You and the musician not only have a daughter together. Vanessa is also expecting another child from her late husband. Now she has sent two more posts in which she shares her pain with her followers.
"Heavenly Father, I know you make no mistakes and give us nothing we cannot bear, but... this pain is very heavy. Please help me oh merciful Lord," read another text message.
She also released a short clip showing her and Mikaben dancing at her home. "My sweet love, how did God manage to be without you for 41 years?" she commented.
Mikaben, whose real name is Michael Benjamin, was the son of the well-known singer Lionel Benjamin. He was born in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince in 1981 and has also worked as a producer. For example, he was involved in several hits by the band Carimi.
