Births on February 12

Michel Martelly, Haitian singer and politician, 56th President of Haiti

Michel Joseph Martelly: From "Sweet Micky" to President of Haiti

Michel Joseph Martelly (French pronunciation: ​[miʃɛl ʒozɛf maʁtɛli]; born on 12 February 1961) is a multifaceted Haitian figure renowned both for his vibrant musical career as "Sweet Micky" and his impactful tenure as the President of Haiti. His journey from an iconic performer to the nation's highest office (May 2011 to February 2016) marks a unique chapter in Haitian history.

The Musical Phenomenon: Sweet Micky and Kompa's Evolution

For over a decade, Martelly has stood as one of Haiti's most celebrated musicians, captivating audiences under his charismatic stage name, Sweet Micky. As a dynamic singer and keyboardist, he is intrinsically linked with Kompa music (often spelled Konpa or Compas Direct), a quintessential style of Haitian dance music. Predominantly sung in Haitian Creole, Kompa is characterized by its infectious rhythms, often featuring a distinct guitar-based groove, and serves as a vibrant cultural cornerstone in Haiti.

Sweet Micky was not merely a Kompa artist; he was an innovator. He spearheaded a "new generation" of Kompa, moving away from larger, more traditional bands towards smaller ensembles that heavily incorporated synthesizers and other electronic instruments. This modern approach broadened Kompa's appeal and influenced subsequent generations of Haitian musicians. Throughout a prolific period from 1989 to 2008, Martelly recorded over a dozen studio albums and numerous live CDs, solidifying his status as a musical icon.

His career often saw him moving between Haiti and the United States, particularly Florida, for both business and musical engagements. Florida, home to a significant Haitian diaspora, provided a strong base for his artistic endeavors and connections.

Early Political Leanings and Controversies

Before his presidential bid, Martelly's journey was not without political undertones and controversies. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, while establishing himself as a musician and club owner in Haiti, he became associated with neo-Duvalierist elements within the Haitian military and police. This included figures like the powerful police chief Michel François. Neo-Duvalierism refers to support for the ideology and legacy of the Duvalier dictatorships, which ruled Haiti for decades and were known for their authoritarian control.

Martelly openly supported the 1991 Haitian coup d'état, which overthrew Jean-Bertrand Aristide, Haiti's first democratically elected president. This coup plunged Haiti into a period of political instability. In 1995, following Aristide's restoration to power, Martelly's name appeared on a list targeting coup supporters, prompting him to leave Haiti for almost a year for his safety. During this self-imposed exile, he released the song "Prezidan" (on the album Pa Manyen), an exuberant ditty that playfully called for a president who "played compas," a seemingly lighthearted notion that would later become a surprising reality.

The Road to the Presidency: A Post-Earthquake Election

Martelly's direct entry into the political arena came in 2010, a pivotal year for Haiti. The nation was grappling with the devastating aftermath of the catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake on January 12, 2010, which claimed over 200,000 lives, displaced millions, and left widespread destruction. Against this backdrop of immense suffering and calls for national reconstruction, Martelly declared his candidacy for President of Haiti, representing the Repons Peyizan (Farmers' Response Party).

The 2010–11 Haitian general election was fraught with controversy. Martelly initially placed third in the first round. However, following allegations of widespread fraud, the Organization of American States (OAS) intervened, compelling candidate Jude Célestin to withdraw. This paved the way for Martelly to proceed to a run-off election against Mirlande Manigat, which he ultimately won.

Michel Martelly officially assumed the presidency on 14 May 2011, taking over from his predecessor, René Préval. His election campaign included a significant promise to reinstate the nation's military, which had been abolished in the 1990s by former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a move that stirred considerable debate given Haiti's complex military history.

Post-Presidency: A Return to Music and Continued Public Presence

After completing his presidential term in February 2016, Martelly returned to his musical roots. He rejoined his former band, "Sweet Micky," releasing a carnival méringue entitled "Bal Bannan nan" (Give Her the Banana). This song garnered significant public attention and controversy, as it was widely interpreted as a mocking response to Liliane Pierre Paul, a prominent and respected Haitian female journalist based in Port-au-Prince, known for her critical commentary on Haitian politics. This episode underscored Martelly's continued presence in the public eye and his characteristic, often provocative, style.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michel Martelly

Who is Michel Martelly, also known as Sweet Micky?

Michel Martelly is a Haitian musician and politician. He is best known by his stage name "Sweet Micky" as an influential Kompa artist and served as the President of Haiti from May 2011 to February 2016.

What is Kompa music, the genre Sweet Micky is famous for?

Kompa (or Konpa/Compas Direct) is a popular style of Haitian dance music. It features an infectious rhythmic structure, often performed with a distinct guitar rhythm, and is predominantly sung in Haitian Creole. Sweet Micky is credited with popularizing a "new generation" of Kompa using synthesizers and electronic instruments.

When was Michel Martelly President of Haiti?

Michel Martelly served as the President of Haiti from 14 May 2011 until February 2016, following his victory in the 2010–11 general election.

What was the significance of the 2010 earthquake for Martelly's election?

The devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake of January 12, 2010, which caused immense loss of life and destruction, created a highly challenging and emotional context for the subsequent presidential election. Martelly's campaign, running for the Repons Peyizan (Farmers' Response Party), took place during this critical period of national reconstruction.

Did Michel Martelly have any controversial political associations before becoming president?

Yes, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Martelly was associated with neo-Duvalierist elements within the Haitian military and police, including figures involved in the 1991 coup d'état against President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. He openly supported this coup, which was a significant political upheaval in Haiti.