Tributes have poured in across the globe following the death of popular Haitian singer Mikaben at the age of 41.
The star was performing on stage at Accor Arena in Paris, France, on Saturday when he stopped the show abruptly to exit the stage. He is then said to have fallen to the floor. The cause of death is yet to have been revealed.
E! News reports medical professionals performed CPR on the renowned talent as fans were asked to leave the venue following the incident.
Unfortunately, their efforts couldn't save the singer - whose real name was Michael Benjamin - and at around 1:30am on Sunday morning the arena took to Twitter to confirm the sad news.
Writing in French, the message translated to: "Last night during the Carimi concert one of the singers, Michael Benjamin, Mikaben of his artist name, died following a malaise on stage and despite the intervention of the emergency services."
His pregnant wife, Vanessa, took to the platform to ask for people to stop calling as she's in "no condition to talk". She added: "I lost my other half and I have no words."
In a second post she continued: "Oh mon Dieu, Heavenly Father, I know you don’t make mistakes and you won’t give us what we can’t [bear] but…this pain is very heavy. Help me, please, oh merciful Lord."
Mikaben rose to fame in the 2000s with his hit song Ou Pati. He had collaborations with T-Vice and Carimi, whose lead singer Mickael Guirand took to social media following their gig together on Saturday. He said: "It's always been a pleasure to share the microphone with you since Carimi's first album... mikaben and carimi all the way.. I really don't know what to say.
He concluded the message: "Have a nice trip bro.. See you at the top bro.. #ampillanmou for your family in this difficult time.. #loveyou "
He followed it up with a video of them performing and called it "an honour to be with you."
Wyclef Jean was also among the famous faces paying tribute to Mikaben. The musician posted a clip of the pair to his Instagram in which he called him "one of the most talented young men" that he knew. He captioned his post: "Rest In Peace King @mikaben509 Gone too soon #haiti."
He had also earlier told Miami Herald his death "is a shock," and said: "All I could remember was his smile. This is one of the most influential and inspirational young artists of our generation."
Haitian DJ and record producer Michaël Brun also left a message of condolence on Twitter, saying: "Mika was a one of a kind artist and performer. His presence on stage was magnetic.
"He brought so much love and passion to his art and cared deeply about his family, friends and Haiti. I’m so grateful for his friendship and kindness. Love you my brother and RIP"
Mikaben is survived by his pregnant wife, and their two children - son Gabriel Benjamin and daughter Leïa Benjamin.
