Carimi gives electrifying performance in New York and hints at more shows in 2025 | Photos

By William Farrington et The Haitian Times

On Dec. 27, Carimi became one of the first Haitian bands to headline a major U.S. arena, delivering a sold-out performance at the UBS Arena in Elmont, NY. The highly-anticipated reunion concert celebrated the band’s legacy, with hints of additional shows in 2025.

“Please stay tuned… be on the lookout for the next Carimi date,” the band told fans during the show.

The nearly two-and-a-half-hour show brought together thousands of fans and featured performances of Carimi’s greatest hits and a mix of solo renditions from band members. Richard Cavé was joined by Tina Ly for their duet hit “À Tes Côtés,” while Mickael Guirand performed alongside Shabba Ekip.

A celebration of unity

The concert was about more than music; it was a statement of reconciliation and unity. Speaking to The Haitian Times, Guirand reflected on the significance of the event, particularly given Haiti’s ongoing challenges.

“Everything that’s going on with the country, Haiti—all the negative images—it’s nice and refreshing to put a project together where former bandmates, former friends, put everything aside and come back together,” he said. 

Cavé echoed these sentiments. 

“It’s unity,” Cavé said to The Haitian Times. “It’s allowing people to understand that both of us left our business to come here to do something bigger.”

Tribute to Mikaben

A poignant moment during the evening was a tribute to Michael “Mikaben” Benjamin, considered an unofficial fourth member of the band. Mikaben died suddenly in 2022 after collapsing on stage.

Special guests Roberto Martino of T-Vice and Tjo Zenny of Kreyol La joined the band for the tribute. Fans lit up the arena with their cell phones, creating a solemn yet celebratory atmosphere as the band performed in his honor.

“In this very moment, I understood why it was so important for me to be at that concert,” Vanessa Benjamin, Mikaben’s widow, wrote on Instagram. 

“It gave me the chance to hear my husband perform one more time—Even though I couldn’t stop crying from feeling so overwhelmed, it took me almost a half hour to gather myself and regain control of my emotions. For a brief moment, it felt like he was with me again, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Thank you, Carimi, for giving him back to me, if only for a split second.”

She also thanked strangers and loved ones who supported her that evening: “This experience will stay with me forever.”

Carimi’s lasting legacy

Carimi’s story began in 2001 with their keyboard-driven sound that infused Konpa with new energy. 

The release of Bang Bang that year turned them into stars almost overnight, capturing a massive following in the Haitian music scene. The band went on to release eight albums, including live hits, culminating with Invasion in 2013 and the live album Kite’m Cho in 2015.

After disbanding in 2016, Carimi’s return has reignited enthusiasm among fans. The UBS Arena concert underscored their enduring influence, not only in Haitian music but also as cultural ambassadors for Haiti’s diaspora.

With Friday night’s historic concert, Carimi not only reignited the passion of their fans but also left them eagerly awaiting the next chapter.

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