Michel Martelly first rose to prominence as one of Haiti’s best known musicians. Known by his stage name “Sweet Micky,” Martelly modernized a style of Haitian dance music known as compas music (konpa), sung predominantly in the Haitian Creole language, by using smaller bands relying on synthesizers and electronic instruments. Martelly released over a dozen studio albums between 1989 and 2008 as well as a number of live CDs. Primarily a keyboardist and singer, Martelly’s live shows have sometimes ignited controversy among fellow Haitians for his gruff language and sociopolitical diatribes.