Haitian President-elect Michel Martelly sure knows how to make a music video
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When the Haitian presidential race began in 2010, those outside the country’s political arena might have laughed at the prospect of pop singer Michel “Sweet Micky” Martelly throwing his hat in the ring. After all, they wouldn’t even take Wyclef Jean. Well, look who’s laughing now.
On Monday, the baldheaded crooner became Haiti’s president-elect, beating out opposition leader and former first lady Mirlande Manigat, capturing 68% of the vote, according to preliminary voting results. In our search to learn more about this famed pop-star-turned-politician, a longtime activist and political animal since the mid-’90s, we inevitably came across a silo of his old music videos.
If nothing else, they illustrate one very simple truth: the Haitian populace like politicians to have a little flair. In most countries, the sight of a Martelly, 50, hypnotizing us with his dance moves in neon summer wear could’ve been the fuschia-colored torpedo that sunk his career. Then again, maybe this kind of charming charisma, rhythmic aptitude and fondness for pink hats is just what natives in his disaster-torn country are looking for. Culled from the bowels of YouTube, we’ve dusted off a string of videos after the jump the feature Martelly parlaying his unbuttoned, early ‘90s swagger for all to enjoy.
--Nate Jackson
Sweet Micky- ‘Galope’
Sweet Micky- ‘San Ou’
Sweet Micky- ‘Ou La La’
