Joseph Michel Martelly
- Born:
- February 8, 1961, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
- Nationality:
- Haitian
- Profession(s):
- Musician, Businessman, Politician
Early Life and Education
- Attended St. Louis de Gonzague school in Port-au-Prince.
- Briefly studied medicine in Haiti before relocating to the United States.
- Lived in the United States, working in construction and nightclubs.
Career and Major Achievements
- Achieved fame as the musician "Sweet Micky," known for his compas music and often controversial performances.
- Significant success in the Haitian music industry throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
- Elected President of Haiti in 2011, serving a five-year term.
- During his presidency, focused on education reform, infrastructure development, and attracting foreign investment.
- Faced challenges related to corruption allegations, political instability, and the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake.
- Continued to perform as a musician after leaving office. Some of this, like the content found on 'la maison de joseph michel martelly youtube', provided insight into his personality and continued activities.
Notable Works
Discography (Selected)
Title | Year |
---|---|
Ou La La | 1989 |
Woule Woule | 1990 |
Prezidan | 1995 |
Legacy and Impact
Joseph Michel Martelly remains a controversial figure in Haitian history. His presidency was marked by both progress and significant challenges. His musical career established him as a prominent figure in Haitian popular culture, and his transition to politics demonstrated his ambition and appeal to a segment of the Haitian electorate.