In a world where music transcends borders, few artists embody this principle as vividly as Michaël Brun. Born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Brun has become one of the most prominent Haitian voices in music today, with a career dedicated to celebrating his heritage and giving back to the community that raised him. Hailing as both a producer and artist, Brun’s creative journey has evolved significantly since his early days remixing popular tracks, and he has crafted a musical identity that is both globally resonant and deeply rooted in his heritage.
Brun’s journey into music production began with remixing, using songs he admired to uncover the elements that made them impactful. “When you break down existing songs that you love, you see the process that that artist took to start the production,” he explains. His remix of Childish Gambino’s Heartbeat marked one such pivotal moment, helping him hone a versatile sound that honours the core of a song while introducing his own unique flair. This foundation of respect has become so important to his artistry and allows him to navigate genres with ease.
Recently, Brun’s commitment to cultural connection has taken on new dimensions with the release of his single Safe, a collaboration with John Legend and renowned Haitian artist Rutshelle Guillaume. The single, released through Capitol, serves as a profound declaration of unity, pushing back against the hate and misinformation facing immigrant communities. The song’s message holds personal significance for all three artists: John Legend, who hails from Springfield, Ohio, has previously spoken out against the spread of misinformation about Haitian immigrants in his hometown. For Brun and Guillaume, both of Haitian descent, this song is a way to champion the strength and resilience of their community. On Safe, Brun merges Legend’s soulful tone with the vibrant konpa rhythms of his native Haiti, creating a track that is as culturally enriching as it is emotionally stirring. Guillaume’s guest appearance further elevates the piece, as her stunning vocals in Haitian Creole add depth and authenticity. “John has been one of my all-time favourite singers,” Brun shares, “and it’s truly an honour for me to introduce him to the world of konpa through our song Safe.”
Brun’s collaborative history is a testament to his philosophy of using music to bridge cultures, whether working with superstars like Oxlade and Becky G, or celebrating Caribbean sounds with rising talents. His recent work with Naika, for instance, is rooted in shared passion for cultural storytelling and reflects his drive to elevate voices across borders. “She has so many different influences... it’s really exciting because I feel like I haven’t seen that so much in the world,” he shares. With each project, Brun immerses himself in his collaborators’ experiences, blending their influences with his own, and creating a sound that resonates globally while celebrating diversity.
From his early achievements to his hundreds of millions of streams and Latin GRAMMY nomination with J Balvin, Brun’s success speaks to his widespread influence in both music and culture. But despite his fame, he remains committed to showcasing Haitian culture. His Haitian heritage is woven into his sound, allowing him to celebrate his roots even as he explores new musical landscapes. This commitment finds its most visible expression in his annual BAYO block party, which recently gathered over 8,000 attendees in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Translated to “to give” in English, BAYO has grown from a local event to an internationally celebrated gathering, a place for the Caribbean diaspora to come together through shared music, food, and dance.
Like many artists, Brun has faced moments of self-doubt. “Every single artist I’ve worked with... has at some stage doubted themselves,” he notes, recognising that resilience and belief in one’s vision are essential to overcoming these challenges. His approach to navigating uncertainty has shaped not only his own work but has become a message he shares with other emerging artists, encouraging them to find strength in their unique stories and sounds.
Through his music, BAYO festival, and recent release of Safe, Michaël Brun has built a legacy that honours his heritage while paving the way for future generations to explore their own stories. From Haiti to the world stage, he continues to create a legacy defined by cultural celebration, artistic integrity, and a boundless drive to give back.