Overview:
Haitian rapper Jonathan Wens Désir, higher often called MechansT, has been lacking for a 12 months. Nevertheless, regardless of one arrest, there haven’t been any vital developments within the investigation.
CAP-HAÏTIEN — Though a whole 12 months has handed since rapper Jonathan Wens Désir, higher identified by his stage identify MechansT, went lacking, fellow rapper Gandhi Dorsonne has but to start the therapeutic course of. Only a month in the past, Dorsonne broke down in tears whereas discussing musical initiatives with Désir’s brother, Steeven Désir, throughout a WhatsApp name.
“I select to maintain dreaming. Even when they don’t see his physique after 20, 30 years, I’ll preserve dreaming [of seeing him again],” Dorsonne mentioned in a WhatsApp interview with The Haitian Occasions on June 30.
Dorsonne had identified Désir since their teenage years, rising up collectively in Port-au-Prince. He typically introduced Désir to his radio present, Hip Hop Time, serving to introduce him to Haiti’s rap scene. After Désir went lacking, Dorsonne mentioned he would generally really feel the rapper strolling beside him or sitting with him in a automotive. He can nonetheless hear Désir’s voice calling him “maestro” or “bro,” with a slight stutter.
“I hope we study from this. You’re not alleged to rush issues; wait in your time—God’s timing. The U.S. isn’t all the things. You possibly can go to Canada, France, or the West Indies.”
Chéro Chérident, MechansT’s manufacturing supervisor
Désir went lacking on July 4, 2024, together with 40 to 60 passengers, from a ship making an attempt to journey from the Bahamas to america illegally. U.S. Marshals arrested the presumed boat proprietor, Emilien Haly, on Sept. 6, 2024. 4 different males have been additionally linked to the unlawful journey however haven’t been arrested. Regardless of Haly’s arrest, there have been no additional developments within the investigation, leaving Désir’s household, associates and followers in uncertainty about his whereabouts or whether or not he’s useless or alive.
Clifford Dumé, one other Haitian singer, additionally went lacking in August 2024 within the Dominican Republic however was discovered alive after 5 days within the woods with a wire and two items of garlic tied round his neck. Two artists went lacking in 2024—nonetheless, there was no clear, detailed details about both case.
The gradual investigation of Désir’s case, if any, notably highlights the shortage of look after Haitian entertainers. Chero Chérident, Désir’s manufacturing supervisor, condemned the Haitian authorities for its lack of motion after Désir went lacking.
Haitian rapper Wens Jonathan Desir, higher often called MechansT, allegedly paid $8,000 for the journey however wished to be out after delays
“It’s been a 12 months now since Haitians went lacking from a ship and the State [Haitian government] hasn’t executed something,” Chérident mentioned.
“The State didn’t even ship a delegation or conduct an investigation. Neglect about Mech being an artist—different folks additionally went lacking and the State didn’t do something. I’m dissatisfied,” he lamented.
Chérident mentioned Désir had deliberate to launch an album this 12 months that includes solely feminine artists. He added that the rapper left behind practically three albums’ price of unreleased music.
Three albums price of unreleased songs
“Since he’s lacking proper now and there’s no authorized ruling stating he’s not right here, these songs will keep inside,” Chérident mentioned.
Like Dorsonne, Chérident mentioned he nonetheless hasn’t healed. He misses the times when Désir would go away him voice messages at 3 a.m., keen to speak about new initiatives.
“I can’t get used to this [Désir going missing], particularly when there hasn’t been closure,” Chérident mentioned. “I can’t heal as a result of there’s no closure but.”
Emilien Haly was arrested in Florida on Sept. 6 and is at present detained on the Broward County Essential Jail
Désir’s relations are nonetheless grieving. His older brother Steeven’s WhatsApp profile image exhibits a photograph of the 2 of them standing collectively. He additionally ceaselessly posts movies of Désir on his WhatsApp standing. Désir’s spouse, Baboushie Désir, has an image of herself with the rapper as her profile picture on her social media accounts. She additionally repeatedly posts movies of Désir on her standing.
“To me, you by no means left,” Baboushie Désir posted on Instagram on June 26. “You simply disappeared in a method the world can’t perceive. However each wave on the ocean is bringing your identify till we meet once more. I’ll at all times take a look at the ocean with hope, with love.”
An American dream that by no means began amid the ordeal
Désir reportedly paid $8,000 to Haly to take him to the U.S. on the boat. 4 different males—three of whose final names stay unknown—allegedly concerned in organizing the journey embrace Peter, who helped organize the journey plans; Elinair “Choose” Petitphat and Sandie Corneille, who acquired funds; Willy, who labored with Haly and was initially recognized because the boat proprietor; and Lubin, who was chargeable for bringing passengers to their last vacation spot after they arrived within the U.S., Chérident mentioned.
It’s unknown why these people haven’t been arrested. The Royal Bahamas Police Drive has not replied to The Haitian Occasions’ electronic mail looking for feedback on the case.
Désir was one of many only a few Haitian artists who couldn’t journey to the U.S., so he desperately wished to take action. His spouse was already within the U.S., which reportedly gave him another excuse to maneuver there.
“I hope we study from this,” Chérident mentioned. “You’re not alleged to rush issues, wait in your time. God’s timing. The U.S. isn’t all the things. You possibly can go to Canada, you’ll be able to go to France, to the West Indies.”
A rapper like no others
Désir was one of many prime Haitian rappers within the early 2020s, gaining the love of scores of rap Creole followers. He known as his die-hard followers ekstraterès, Creole for aliens, and sometimes wore gentle inexperienced. One among Désir’s strengths as a rapper was his heartfelt lyrics by means of love songs and songs about Haiti’s struggles. One among his prime hits is Males lap fè san, Creole for “Look, it’s a massacre,” a track about receiving punishment for stealing.
Some really feel empty once they take heed to Désir’s music now as a result of the whereabouts of the rapper is unknown.
“He was an artist with numerous skills who had rhymes and expertise,” Faïde Urbainor, 31, a Cap-Haïtien resident, mentioned. “However I get no vibe actually from listening to his music these days. He must be right here for us to provide him love.”
Exterior of music, Désir was often called the lifetime of the celebration for his fixed jokes and playful teasing. He additionally had a penchant for flashy garments, which as soon as earned him the nickname Ti Swagger, Dorsonne mentioned.
Whereas Dorsonne mourns for Désir, whom he considers his little brother, he finds limitless pleasure when he listens to MechansT as a result of his songs convey hope.
“MechansT’s songs can’t make you unhappy as a result of MechansT himself is a ball of delight,” Dorsonne mentioned. “However then, for Jonathan, I requested myself, how might now we have misplaced him? At 33 years previous, he was solely a child.”