Michaël Brun has officially concluded one of the most significant chapters of his career. The Grammy-winning, platinum-selling producer utilized the 10th anniversary of BAYO—his influential platform dedicated to celebrating Haitian and Afro-Caribbean culture—to curate a month-long series of events that spanned live music, film, sports, and cultural advocacy throughout May and June.
The centerpiece of this milestone was BAYO’s inaugural three-night sold-out residency at Brooklyn Paramount in New York City, which followed a successful performance at Boston’s Agganis Arena. The opening night of the New York run served as a poignant reunion, featuring the original lineup from the platform’s debut a decade ago. Over the course of the weekend, the stage hosted performances from notable artists including Troubleboy, Riva, Baky, Plezi RARA, Lakou Mizik, and Paul Beaubrun. The star-studded audience included Fédération Haïtienne World Cup scorer Wilson Isidor, Lil Nas X, and the production duo Take A Daytrip.
Since its inception as an impromptu street-party concept, BAYO has evolved into a vital platform for fostering connection within the Haitian diaspora in the United States. The timing of this 10th-anniversary celebration was particularly significant, aligning with Haiti’s historic return to the FIFA World Cup, a narrative thread that Brun wove throughout the entire season.
In the lead-up to the residency, Brun released a short film in collaboration with the Fédération Haïtienne, directed by Leo Volcy and executive produced by Brun alongside Haitian soccer figure Jozy Altidore. His commitment to the cause extended beyond the stage; he performed a warm-up DJ set for the national team and maintained a visible presence on the sidelines during matches in Boston, Philadelphia, and Atlanta.
During Haitian Heritage Month, Brun also introduced BAYO Sessions, a new live performance series featuring sets from Steves J. Bryan, J Perry, and Andybeatz. Furthermore, he engaged with local leadership, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Councilwoman Rita Joseph, to further his mission of elevating Haitian culture within the city.
The residency concluded on a high note, with Brun receiving an official citation from the President of the Borough of Brooklyn, Antonio Reynoso, in recognition of BAYO’s profound cultural impact and his contributions to the Haitian community. As he looks toward the next decade, Brun remains focused on expanding the Sessions series, continuing his advocacy work, and delivering impactful live experiences.