Author: Opastaff
Saturday, December 28, 2024, marked a historic day for Cap-Haïtien’s cultural legacy. In a ceremony filled with emotion, pride, and fanfare, a statue honoring the legendary maestro of compas direct, Richard Jean Hérard, affectionately known as Richie, was unveiled at Carrénage Square. The event was attended by Mr. Patrick Almonor, one of the city’s mayors, members of the renowned band Klass, the press, and a devoted crowd of fans. The statue, located at the intersection of 28th and 29th A streets, was erected as a vibrant tribute to a native son whose influence on Haitian music has spanned generations. Richie,…
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Jan. 6, 2025 — MikaBen, born Micheal Benjamin, was a beacon of light in the Haitian music industry. His untimely passing left a profound void in the hearts of his fans, colleagues, and loved ones. As we navigate the challenges surrounding his legacy, it is essential to approach these conversations with empathy, understanding, and respect for all involved. For the past two years, Vanessa Fanfan, Mika’s wife and a valued client of B.E. Relations has been the target of unwarranted social media attacks. This situation has deeply affected not only Vanessa but also her family, pushing…
When Is the Best Time to Release an Album? A question I’ve been asked many times is, “Cheyna, what’s the best time of year to release an album?” My answer has always been, “Unfortunately, there’s no such thing.” There isn’t a guaranteed “best” time to release an album, as many factors come into play. However, there are ideal times to consider, and these can increase your chances of success though even then, nothing is guaranteed. Understanding the Factors The timing of your album release depends heavily on your market. For U.S.-based markets and other large markets, timing considerations are often…
In the wake of the tragic passing of Haitian singer and songwriter Michael “Mikaben” Benjamin in October 2022, his widow, Vanessa Fanfan, has found herself at the center of a growing controversy. While Michael’s sudden death sent shockwaves through the Haitian music community, recent disputes and social media drama involving Fanfan have kept the story in the public eye, stirring both curiosity and concern among fans and observers. Background: Who Was Michael “Mikaben” Benjamin? Michael Benjamin, widely known as Mikaben, was a beloved Haitian artist with a career spanning over two decades. Renowned for his soulful voice and poignant lyrics,…
Ah, Haiti—the Caribbean paradise where the sun shines, the beaches beckon, and the government watches idly as the nation spirals into anarchy. Let’s take a moment to applaud the Haitian authorities for their unparalleled commitment to doing absolutely nothing while gang leaders like Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier turn the country into their personal playgrounds. Gangster’s Paradise: The Reign of Barbecue Jimmy Chérizier, affectionately known as “Barbecue,” has solidified his reputation as Haiti’s most notorious gang leader. His latest claim to infamy? Orchestrating massacres that left over 180 innocent people dead in Port-au-Prince, targeting vulnerable populations, including elderly residents, under the guise…
As 2024 fades into the rearview mirror, most of us hoped the chaos of this political year would die with it. But if the current spectacle in Congress is any indication, 2025 is shaping up to be 2024: The Sequel—complete with fiscal dysfunction, partisan brawls, and, of course, Elon Musk, America’s Unelected President, pulling strings from behind the curtain. The House of Representatives’ recent spending bill, which looked like a legislative Frankenstein’s monster, failed spectacularly, with Elon Musk playing a starring role in its demise. His comments on the bill have exposed a stark anti-poor, anti-worker stance that somehow managed…
As of January 19th, 2025, TikTok, the wildly popular social media platform that has transformed countless lives, will be officially banned in the United States. The platform, which has served as a creative hub for young creators, will no longer be accessible through U.S.-based internet providers. This decision has sparked widespread debate, with questions swirling about the real reasons behind the ban and what it means for the future of digital creativity and competition. TikTok has become more than just an app; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The platform has given rise to countless influencers who have turned their creativity into…
New York, NY — On December 8, 2024, a woman known as Jane Doe filed a detailed complaint in the Southern District of New York alleging that Combs and none other than Shawn “Jay Z” Carter drugged and raped her at an afterparty following the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. She was only 13 years old at the time. According to the lawsuit, Jane Doe had tried to attend the VMAs without a ticket and lingered near Radio City Music Hall. A limousine driver claiming to work for Combs allegedly told her that she “fit what Diddy was looking for,”…
VAYB, one of the most beloved bands in the Haitian music industry, has announced the cancellation of their much-anticipated tour in Haiti. In a press release issued by Good Life Entertainment, the band expressed their deep regret over the decision, citing “circumstances beyond our control” as the primary reason. The cancellation has left fans across the country, from provincial towns to the bustling capital, deeply disappointed. VAYB acknowledged the shared sense of loss, stating, “We know how much the group was eagerly anticipated across the cities of the provinces and the capital; we share your disappointment.” This announcement comes at…
Brace yourselves, America. The McDonald’s McRib is back—starting December 3, 2024. Yes, the boneless pork-like creation, slathered in tangy barbecue sauce, topped with slivered onions and pickles, and cradled by a toasted homestyle bun, is making its triumphant (?) return to participating locations nationwide. But let’s be real: did anyone actually miss it? The McRib is one of those cultural enigmas, much like bell-bottom jeans or the phrase “fetch.” McDonald’s yanks it off the menu for years, then brings it back with all the pomp and circumstance of a royal wedding, expecting us to celebrate like it’s the return of…