BAYO at Barclays: Rutshelle, Arly, Alan Cavé & 12+ Haitian Artists Celebrate Community and Culture — and a Message from Mayor-Elect Mamdani

Just 24 hours before Michael Brun took the stage at Barclays Center for the 2025 edition of BAYO Music Festival, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced a termination date for humanitarian protections (TPS)* — putting over half a million Haitian immigrants, many of whom have lived in the U.S. for more than a decade, at risk of deportation. And yet, in the shadow of that news, thousands of people filled the arena for something bigger than a concert. It was a gathering. A reminder that even in uncertainty, Haitians always make room for joy.

Michael Brun on stage at Barclays Center captured by Blakawout Studios.

You could feel it as soon as you walked in. This wasn't just another BAYO. It was the first time they've taken over an arena. What started in 2016 as a spontaneous block party in Jacmel, Haiti, led by DJ Michael Brun, has evolved into a cultural movement. The air was buzzing, everyone knew what was happening outside, yet we still showed up. Because in dark times, Haitians gather. We celebrate. We remember.

Over the years, BAYO has hosted hundreds of artists, including Sabine Blaizin, Joeboy, Mr. Eazi, Paul Beaubrun, Anthony Ramos, J Balvin, and many more, both established and emerging. It has traveled through Miami, with sold-out shows in New York's Prospect Park, and across the Caribbean. But this one felt like the arrival, grounded and generational.. Like a new chapter opening.

Shabba - Haitian artist delivers a powerful speech reminding the crowd of Haiti as the first free Black republic.

Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani was there, delivering one of the most memorable lines of the night

We're going to stand up for Haiti because you taught the world about freedom. It's time for us to return the favor."

It wasn't just applause-worthy. It was real. And it landed!

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani makes an appearance.

This year’s was also deeply personal. Michael Brun dedicated the night to his late mother, who passed away earlier this year, fulfilling his promise to one day play at an arena. With his family by his side, he did exactly that. His sister joined him on stage for an A cappella performance of “Ayiti Se” by Mikaben, a song their mother loved, and a tribute to another fallen artist whose legacy still echoes through Haitian music. His brother played guitar. Then, in one of the night's standout moments, Michael brought his father, Patrick Brun, on stage. A member of the iconic group Skandal, Patrick joined music group Mizik Mizik alongside Keke Belizaire, Emmanuel Obas, and Fabrice Rouzier. Together, they performed their song "Blakawout," a staple of the twoubadou genre and a moment that brought generations together on one stage.

The lineup itself was a living map of Haitian sound and diaspora pride: Carlo Vieux, Sabine Blaizin, Gardy Girault, Paul Beaubrun, Zile, Riva, Fatima, DJ K9, DJ Bullet, Ted Bounce, Chiwawa, P Dous, Trouble Boy, Moliy, Kenny, Kah-Lo, Shirazee, Naïka, Roberto Martino, Tony Mix, Arly Larivière, Rutshelle Guillaume, Richard Cavé, Gabrielle Brun, Shabba, J Perry, Charly Black, Skandal, and Mizik Mizik.

We can’t forget the DJ stage and artwork, which made a powerful impact of their own. Featuring a reimagined vision of the Haitian TapTap, designed by Steven Baboun  of Studio Baboun and Clifford Salnave of OMXplore, the set blended tradition and futurism to create a space both sacred and vibrant. It stood as a direct reflection of Haitian culture, and of the powerful intersection where heritage meets innovation.

Michael Brun has always described BAYO as a way of taking Haitian, immigrant, and diasporic culture and sharing it with the world through music, and on this night, that vision was fully realized.

Rutshelle brings Richard Cavé to perform "Tolere w" ft Kaï

You know what's an interesting parallel to me? While Haiti faces crisis after crisis, something else is happening as well: a cultural renaissance. Haitian artists are making their mark in global spaces. Our music and culture are rising. Our voices are sharper, braver, louder. That may not be a coincidence. This may be what happens when you're pushed to the margins for too long. You stop asking for space. You take it.

BAYO was a concert but also kind of a message. No matter what systems try to erase us, we'll keep showing up.

We'll continue to take up space and take the stage, Barclays first, the world next.

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*Update (July 1, 2025): Since this post was written, a U.S. judge has blocked the planned termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians. For more details, see Reuters coverage.

BAYO set creative direction credits:

Creative Direction of Stage & Scenic: @stevenbaboun of @studio_baboun

Stage & Scenic Design, Illustration, Renders: @pti_cliff of @omxplore

Stage & Scenic Production Manager: @pizzip

Fabrication House: @chateaubrooklyn