Sweet Micky for President

In 1996 the Fugees climbed the American charts with a slew of singles from their sophomore record The Score. A hip-hop classic, that album didn’t just break the trio; it also shined a light on Haiti, the group’s home country, which they heavily repped in their music. Haiti, struggling for years with poverty, corruption, and recovery from several devastating natural disasters, was certainly in need of a self-esteem boost. Almost 15 years later, not much had changed. This led former Fugee, Pras, on a mission to find a Presidential candidate the people could believe in. Though his old bandmate Wyclef Jean was running, it was controversial Haitian popstar Michel “Sweet Micky” Martelly who peaked Pras’ interest. Martelly wasn’t versed in politics, and his obscene onstage antics certainly made him a strange choice. Pras, however, was convinced his popularity and unfiltered personality would lead to victory. SWEET MICKY FOR PRESIDENT documents the journey, from crazy idea to reality. Things in Haiti remain questionable, but this underdog tale of Martelly's surprising 2011 triumph is undeniably compelling. – E.F.