Following Rappers To Top Post In Haiti
Prakazrel Michel, known as Pras and a former member of the disbanded hip-hop group the Fugees, is an unlikely political operative. But Mr. Michel’s new documentary, “Sweet Micky for President,” shows how he helped nudge a provocative musician into Haiti’s presidential palace. “I’m pretty good at getting people into positions of power,” Mr. Michel said. “But getting them to listen after they get there, that’s the hard part.”
Raised in New Jersey as the child of Haitian immigrants, he originally set out to make a film about the 2010 earthquake that displaced millions of Haitians and killed many thousands. Mr. Michel, however, turned his attention to Haiti’s presidential contest.
As the director Ben Patterson follows along, Mr. Michel hatches a plan to influence the election’s outcome by tapping Michel Martelly, also known as Sweet Micky, an irreverent and popular musician, known for his bad mouth and ostentatious displays. Sweet Micky sang protest songs that struck a populist tone by challenging the ineffective Haitian government, but he also had a tendency to prance about on stages wearing only a diaper.
Mr. Michel saw something more in the showman: a charismatic figure who could rally Haiti’s youth and set a new direction. “I basically said, ‘Michel, you should just run for president, man,’ ” Mr. Michel recalled of their initial telephone conversation. “I think he thought it was a joke. But I flew to his Miami home. And right there, we started to devise a plan.”
The documentary provides access to the back rooms of power and freewheeling political events. When Wyclef Jean, a Haitian and former Fugees member, makes a surprise run for president, he threatens to smother Mr. Martelly’s chances. ( Mr. Jean was later disqualified after his residency was disputed.) After further dramatic developments, including Mr. Mar- telly’s elimination from the contest, his reinstatement and civil unrest, Mr. Martelly triumphs.
Four years removed from Mr. Martelly’s 2011 victory, Haiti is in the midst of choosing his successor. The first round of elections took place in October, with Mr. Martelly’s fellow Tet Kale Party member, Jovenel Moise, and Jude Célestin advancing to the runoff this month, on December 27. Term limits prevent Mr. Martelly from running for re- election.
Throughout his presidency, he has battled growing dissent and calls for his ouster. He has overseen the dissolution of Haiti’s Parliament, a move critics say was a power grab. And like prior administrations, his has been accused of cronyism and corruption.
Mr. Michel’s involvement ceased after Mr. Martelly took office. And today, Mr. Michel confesses his disappointment with his handpicked candidate.
“I may not agree with 90 percent of the things he’s done,” Mr. Michel said, who argued that Mr. Martelly did not make reasonable gains in education and failed to engage the diaspora. “But I’m not his adviser. I’m just a great friend of Sweet Micky, the artist. Michel Martelly, the president? I don’t really rock with that guy.”
For all of its access to the candidate and insight into the process, the film does not include policy positions.
It’s a point that Mr. Michel pushed aside in favor of the hope Mr. Martelly’s victory represented.
“The film is not about his politics,” Mr. Michel said. “It’s about a group of people who feel like we are going to be heard. We don’t care if he’s a clown. As a matter of fact, we know he’s a clown, and we are going to vote for him anyway. And you’re going to respect our vote.”
A foul-mouthed singer in a diaper wins an election.