Michaël Brun Reconnects with Shirazee on “Elevate”
With his biggest ever BAYO day festival rapidly approaching – GRAMMY-winning Haitian DJ and producer Michaël Brun returns with his new single, “Elevate” featuring Beninese singer-songwriter Shirazee. ‘Elevate’ follows Michaël’s diaspora-blending smash Touchdown ft J.Balvin, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man and Tasan.
“Elevate” arrives perfectly tailored for dance floors across the globe. The euphoric track serves as both a crowd-spurring anthem and a love letter, with Amapiano log drums resonating beneath Shirazee’s angelic melodies. On the track’s instrumental, Michaël crafts a transcendent sonic moment for the summer that is poised to unite the many corners of dance music – whether echoing through the Barclays Center on June 28th at the BAYO party, or capturing the hearts of music lovers on dance floors across Port Novo, Port-Au-Prince or Ibiza.
“Elevate” is the second collaboration between Michaël Brun and Shirazee, following 2018’s ode to Johannesburg, ‘Soweto’. Both artists have found a natural synergy through their shared desire to uplift African and Haitian music and bridging gaps between communities worldwide.
Speaking on their flourishing working relationship over the years, Michaël shares, “Shirazee really is family to me. His voice is one of a kind, and I’m grateful we were able to work together on this song that bridges Benin, the Caribbean, and electronic music. We started it in New York a few years ago and developed it until it felt just right. We really hope you enjoy it as much as we do.”
When discussing whether there was a pressure to follow up the success of ‘Soweto’, Shirazee reveals: “Elevate wasn’t about outdoing the last song or even Soweto for me – it was about evolving. Born out of fun studio sessions and shared visions of lifting African and Haitian music higher, the song captures that same raw intention and magic while stepping into a scenic sonic territory. From my perspective, it wasn’t pressure – it was purpose. When you’re in the room with someone who just gets your rhythm – culturally, musically, spiritually – not a sequel. It’s a continuation.”
Michaël Brun was born and raised in Port-au-Prince and is one of the biggest Haitian voices in music today. Throughout his career he has continually shone a light on the country’s rich culture and history, viewing his career in music as a way to give back to the community that raised him. Throughout the years he has worked with an astonishing list of global superstars, including J Balvin, Oxlade, King Promise, Buju Banton, Victoria Monét, Becky G and many more. Accolades throughout his career include hundreds of millions of streams across platforms, winning a Latin GRAMMY for his work with J Balvin, an official in-game jersey in EA FC24 and press support across a wide range of mainstream and tastemaker outlets. A key signifier of Michaël’s communal spirit within music is his annual BAYO block party, which started 9 years ago as a spur of the moment free party in Haiti – less than 50 people in attendance. Year on year the party has grown, bringing in thousands of revellers and was last year held at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. BAYO, translated to English means “to give” and the party is a celebration of Caribbean culture in all forms. Through the years, many of Michaël’s collaborators have made surprise appearances at BAYO, and fans have been stunned by performances from the likes of Oxlade, Masego, Maxwell, J Balvin and more. This year will mark his first ever arena takeover, and biggest event to date, when BAYO reaches the Barclays Center on 28th June, showcasing Haitian and Caribbean culture on one of America’s most significant stages.
“Elevate” is yet another clear reminder that Michaël Brun is an artist who refuses to be boxed into any one genre or sound. He is truly committed to authentically connecting the world through timeless music that resonates across all corners of the globe.