Carimi’s Tragic Paris Reunion

Are you Ready (for Carimi)?

It’s 2:02 pm EST on Tuesday October 18, 2022.

I’m back home in the states.

I’ve returned to work but I’m sitting here consumed with unexpected grief, shock, sadness and feelings of loss.

Grief is known to be unforeseen, but this curveball takes the case!

So I do the best thing I know when I’m feeling desolate: write!

I attended the Carimi reunion of a lifetime only to witness the final moments of Michael Benjamin AKA Mikaben‘s life.

Carimi was the first Haitian band that felt relatable to me.

The fact that they added English lyrics alongside the French/Creole won them young fans worldwide.

It may be why they’re the first Haitian band to be played on Miami’s local urban contemporary radio station (Hot 105FM).

Carimi is a meld of the first two letters of each group member’s first names (CArlo Vieux, RIchard Cave, and MIckael Guirand).

I was elated to see them in person at Club Iguanas in Pembroke Pines during a Christmas event.

Mikaben (Mika) got his start around the same time as Carimi.

He was a star in his own right and made a huge impact in Haitian music.

For the last two decades, he displayed versatility as a singer, songwriter, producer and Haiti activist.

Behind the scenes, he was from a music family so the gifting was developed early on.

His talent made him a popular featured artists across genres.

I’m learning more about him in death and of the huge void his absence is causing!

Baby I Missed You (Carimi)

Sadly, in 2016, Carimi broke up despite their success.

When I heard of a 2021 Paris, France (20 year) reunion , I was psyched and knew nothing would impede my being there!

I threw away the fantasy of my first time in Paris being a romantic trip. Technically my visit would still be about my “love” for music/self.

As always, the trip could have been solo but another fan/friend joined me.

It was appropriate since she was the one I attended the Christmas concert with seven years ago.

My full “summer in Paris” wardrobe was purchased and entire itinerary researched.

As with most events in 2021, the reunion tour was initially postponed. Shortly after a new date of May 2022 was announced.

I was so disappointed since that date clashed with other travels!

It wasn’t until I returned home from Europe, that I learned the second May concert was also postponed. The third date was Oct 15th, 2022.

I was too excited and knew it was fate! The third time would hopefully be “the charm”!

I then started “actively” planning.

After I missed my “trip of a lifetime”, this “one night only” setup had no do-overs.

Mwen Pare (I’m Ready)

Now I had to rethink my attire to match Paris’ fall temperatures.

That mission was accomplished successfully!

We left MIA on a Wednesday night and would use our full four days to the hilt!

The day of the concert,  we were running late for the first time and taxis were scarce on a Saturday night.

Fortunately, we made it right after the show had begun.

We found our seats by flashlight and only used them as coat holders!

For the next hour or so, we sung and danced to our heart’s content.

Intermission was used to catch our breaths. Even then, we didn’t leave our seats for drinks/snacks.

Once the show continued , the lead singer (Mickael) announced the next segment would include artists featured on their hits.

Mikaben would be the second artist. He completed an amazing and energetic set!

As he was walking off the stage, we heard a loud thud as he hit the ground.

Everything changed.

The show was paused while he was checked by medics. Mickael said the show may need to end based on the prognosis.

I was disappointed. But I also wanted Mikaben to be ok.

Mwen Dezole (I’m Sorry)

To make a long story short, the concert ended early and Mickael asked for prayers and well wishes since the situation was “grave”.

I still assumed Mikaben would survive “his injuries”.

We returned to our hotel and the first social media post we saw had RIP comments.

I had to Google to be sure and there were already blogs confirming Mikaben had passed away.

It was a heart attack. They were unsuccessful in reviving him.

From this moment on, our epic time in Paris was clouded with grief.

I write this blog to hopefully release some of the feelings and emotions this tragedy has invoked.

I never expected to return home grieving.

My heart goes out to his family, friends and other fans.

I purposely avoided posting my trip until the Carimi concert. So now the excitement of checking in to Paris had waned!

I feel numb and a little survivor’s guilt.

Hopefully, in the coming days, I can process both the lows and highs of Paris. 

~Poof…Bee Gone

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