GRAMMY Award-winning, platinum-selling producer, artist, and Haitian cultural ambassador Michaël Brun has marked the 10th anniversary of BAYO with the most ambitious chapter in the platform’s history. Spanning music, film, live performance, community engagement, and sport, the anniversary celebrations transformed May and June into a global showcase of Haitian and Afro-Caribbean culture while coinciding with Haiti’s historic return to the FIFA World Cup.
What began a decade ago as an impromptu street-party concept has grown into one of the most influential platforms celebrating Haitian creativity, culture, and the global diaspora. This year’s milestone highlighted BAYO’s continued evolution while reinforcing its mission of fostering community through music and cultural exchange.
The anniversary celebrations began with a major event at Boston’s Agganis Arena before BAYO headed to New York City for its first-ever three-night sold-out residency at the Brooklyn Paramount. The residency paid tribute to the event’s origins, with the opening night reuniting the original BAYO lineup from ten years earlier.
Throughout the weekend, audiences were treated to performances from Troubleboy, Riva, Baky, Plezi RARA, Lakou Mizik, and Paul Beaubrun, while notable guests included Fédération Haïtienne World Cup scorer Wilson Isidor, Lil Nas X, and production duo Take A Daytrip.
Brun’s celebration extended far beyond the concert stage. In recognition of Haiti’s return to international football’s biggest stage, he partnered with the Fédération Haïtienne to release a short film directed by Leo Volcy and executive produced by Brun alongside Haitian football legend Jozy Altidore. He also served as the national team’s warm-up DJ ahead of their tournament matches and remained with the squad throughout games in Boston, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, further connecting music and national pride.
During Haitian Heritage Month, Brun introduced BAYO Sessions, a new live performance series spotlighting artists including Steves J. Bryan, J Perry, and Andybeatz. The initiative further expanded BAYO’s role as a platform dedicated to elevating Haitian talent across multiple creative disciplines.
Brun also continued his advocacy work by meeting with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Councilwoman Rita Joseph, reinforcing his ongoing commitment to celebrating Haitian culture and strengthening its visibility throughout New York City.
The milestone celebrations concluded with Brun receiving an official citation from Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, recognizing BAYO’s lasting cultural impact and Brun’s continued contributions to the borough’s vibrant Haitian community.
As BAYO enters its second decade, Michaël Brun continues to expand its global reach, using music, storytelling, live experiences, and cultural initiatives to create meaningful connections while showcasing the richness of Haitian creativity to audiences around the world.