Michaël Brun has successfully concluded one of the most significant chapters of his career. The Grammy-winning, platinum-selling producer utilized the 10th anniversary of 10 Years of BAYO—his influential platform dedicated to celebrating Haitian and Afro-Caribbean culture—to curate a month-long series of events. This expansive celebration spanned live music, film, sports, and cultural advocacy throughout May and June.
The centerpiece of the anniversary was BAYO’s inaugural three-night sold-out residency at the Brooklyn Paramount in New York City, which followed a high-energy performance at Boston’s Agganis Arena. The opening night of the NYC residency served as a poignant homecoming, reuniting the original lineup from the very first edition of BAYO a decade ago. Over the course of the weekend, the stage featured performances from artists including Troubleboy, Riva, Baky, Plezi RARA, Lakou Mizik, and Paul Beaubrun. The star-studded audience included notable figures such as Fédération Haïtienne World Cup scorer Wilson Isidor, Lil Nas X, and the production duo Take A Daytrip.
What began as an impromptu street-party concept has evolved into a vital platform for the Haitian diaspora in the United States. The timing of this 10th-anniversary milestone 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 collaborated with the Fédération Haïtienne on a short film directed by Leo Volcy and executive produced by Brun and Haitian soccer icon Jozy Altidore. Beyond the film, Brun provided a warm-up DJ set for the national team and maintained a visible presence on the sidelines during their tournament 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. His commitment to the community extended into the political sphere, where he engaged with New York City officials, including Zohran Mamdani and Councilwoman Rita Joseph, to further elevate Haitian culture within the city.
The residency concluded with a formal recognition of Brun’s efforts; on the final night, he received an official citation from the President of the Borough of Brooklyn, Antonio Reynoso, honoring his cultural impact and dedication to the local Haitian community. As he looks toward the next decade, Brun remains focused on expanding the BAYO Sessions series and continuing his advocacy work.
