Overview:
Anna Pierre, the Haitian singer behind the konpa classic “Mete Suk Sou Bonbon-m,” has died, according to Le Floridien. Beyond music, Pierre founded healthcare institutions serving Haitian immigrants and was widely remembered as the “singing nurse.”
Haitian singer Anna Pierre, best known for her late-1980s konpa hit “Mete Suk Sou Bonbon-m,” died Tuesday at a hospital in Plantation, Florida. She was 68.
Her family announced her on Pierre’s personal Facebook page through a statement from the Pierre family, who asked for grace, patience, and respect for their privacy during this time of mourning. The message paid tribute to her kindness and artistic legacy, while expressing appreciation for the messages of support, prayers, and kind words received.
“We know how deeply she was loved by supporters, friends, and family, both near and far,” the note reads.
“A gifted artist, a dedicated nurse, and a true pillar of her community,” the message continues. “Her music carried stories and soul, her hands healed, and her love extended far beyond our family.”
Pierre cemented her place in the Haitian Music Industry (HMI) and konpa history with the syncopated, playful ballad about lovemaking. Later, after migrating to the United States, she became a prominent voice on the community healthcare advocacy scene.
Born in Haiti and raised in Cap-Haïtien, Pierre was the third of nine children. She migrated to the United States in 1981, settling in South Florida. Alongside music, she pursued a career in healthcare, training as a nurse and becoming a registered nurse in 1987. She later studied health administration and public health, according to public records.
“She was about to storm the industry as a pioneer.”
Burt Charles
In 1989, she released her hit, “Mete Suk Sou Bonbon-m,” which stood out for its amorous message from a confident female voice in everyday language. The song became widely popular in Haiti and across the diaspora, and has remained familiar to audiences decades later. Fans and music historians have often cited it as one of the rare solo hits by a woman in a male-dominated konpa industry at the time.
Pierre released several albums that explored different musical styles while remaining grounded in her Haitian roots. While “Mete Suk Sou Bonbon-m” brought her widespread recognition, she also recorded other popular songs, including “Pa Vin Rete Kè-m,” “Pa Fè m Sa Konsa,” and “Papa m Se Wa.” Her work left a mark and further cemented her place in Haitian music.
Beyond the stage, Pierre founded the Anna Pierre Health Education Center (APHEC International) in 1990 to focus on health education and access to care for Haitian immigrants. In 2003, she opened The People’s Clinic, a primary care center she funded herself to meet urgent healthcare needs in the community.
Pierre also sought to expand her public service through civic engagement, running in the 2013 municipal elections in North Miami. Though her bid was unsuccessful, the campaign reflected her continued commitment to community leadership beyond music.
In The Haitian Times’ “Konpa Turns 70” series, Pierre is described as a trained nurse who challenged expectations by blending wellness and music. Often called the “singing nurse,” she built a career that connected cultural expression with public service, even after early setbacks in the music industry.
News of her passing prompted widespread tributes within the Haitian community and among her international fans. Several public figures, including former State Senator Daphney Campbell, expressed their deep sorrow. In her view, the world had lost a legend and a nurse whose life was devoted to healing, inspiring and loving others.
“As her kindred spirit, standing before you and the world, I am overwhelmed with grief,” Campbell wrote on her Facebook page.
“The words feel inadequate at this moment. She was a rare soul—someone who carried both strength and gentleness,” she said. “Her music spoke truth, her service expressed love, and her life reflected purpose.”
On Pierre’s Facebook page, public figures, longtime friends and collaborators also shared personal tributes.
Burt Charles, former record producer, said: “My condolences to you and your family. May the Creator bless you with harmony, solace, peace and love. In the early 90s, I had the pleasure of working with Paula’s Productions during the final phase of Anna’s first and only recording, “Suk Sou Bonbon.”
The release was done at my store, Do Re Mi Records & Promotions, which was located at the Caribbean Marketplace in Little Haiti. She and her 4 “Bonbonets” gave a remarkable performance on that day. Right away, I knew that she was about to storm the industry as a pioneer. Rest in Peace.”
Astra Remy-Calixte, a former neighbor from Cap-Haïtien, wrote in with delightful memories.
“As a kid at the time, I used to observe her, always smiling, saying jokes to her peers, making others laugh… also, helping her parents to instill respect and discipline among her younger siblings… then later resuming the same patterns in different dimensions in Miami, starting in the 1990s….. Wanting to make the world where she lived a much better place through healthcare and entertainment… Always striving towards perfection with her Vision.”
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