Midnite

The story

Midnite was formed in 1989 in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, by brothers Vaughn Benjamin (vocals) and Ron Benjamin (keyboards, bass), sons of the Antiguan musician Ronnie Benjamin Sr. Their music is roots reggae in the deepest 1970s Jamaican tradition — hypnotic, stripped-down and message-first, carried by Vaughn's unmistakable chant-and-call voice.

The band debuted with Unpolished (1997) and followed with Ras Mek Peace (1999), famously recorded straight to two-track analog tape without a mixing board, compression or EQ. From there the catalogue grew at a pace unmatched in reggae: more than 60 Midnite albums on labels such as Afrikan Roots Lab and I Grade Records.

"The most revered, influential and prolific reggae act in two decades." — Midnight Raver

Landmark records along the way:

Unpolished (1997) — the debut, first released in Namibia
Ras Mek Peace (1999) — the audiophile analog session
Jubilees of Zion (2000) — ranked the best reggae album of the new millennium by Midnight Raver
Beauty for Ashes (2014) — the I Grade collaboration, ranked third best of the millennium

On stage the band became legendary for marathon sets that regularly passed the three-hour mark, played without setlists and without covers — a meditation more than a concert.

From Midnite to Akae Beka

In 2015, following what Vaughn Benjamin described as "life changes, convictions and revelations", the band reformed around him under a new name: Akae Beka — a phrase drawn from the Book of Enoch. The first Akae Beka show was played in Denver on July 17, 2015, in honour of Nelson Mandela International Day.

As Akae Beka, Benjamin released eleven more albums — including Portals and Rule the Time on I Grade Records — while touring as relentlessly as ever.

Vaughn Benjamin passed away on November 4, 2019, in Port St. Lucie, Florida, at the age of 50. With more than 70 albums to his name, he leaves one of the largest and most singular bodies of work in reggae history.

"He wasn't into clichés, he wanted to change minds. Vaughn always said he wasn't an entertainer or artist — that implied he was a part-timer." — Laurent "Tippy I" Alfred, I Grade Records

This page carries the archive of midnite-culture.com forward — the photos, the words and the iditations of a band whose music was never entertainment, but livity.

About the artist

Midnite

Midnite was a roots reggae band from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, formed in 1989 by brothers Vaughn Benjamin (vocals) and Ron Benjamin (keyboards, bass). Rooted in the 1970s Jamaican tradition, their spiritually charged chant-and-call style and marathon live sets earned a devoted worldwide following across more than 60 albums. In 2015 the band reformed around Vaughn Benjamin as Akae Beka, releasing another eleven albums before his passing on November 4, 2019. All original music, never covers — a towering legacy of modern roots reggae.

Active since2012

Page@midnite-band

Members

Michel Maldonado

PAST SHOWS

JUN222002

Sierra Nevada World Music Festival · Boonville, CA, USA

AUG72004

Reggae on the River · Humboldt County, CA, USA

AUG132011

Northwest World Reggae Festival · Marcola, OR, USA

APR192012

Open-air show · Provolt, OR, USA

AUG212014

Rototom Sunsplash · Benicàssim, Spain

JUL172015

First show as Akae Beka — Nelson Mandela Day · Denver, CO, USA

What people are saying

The most revered, influential and prolific reggae act in two decades.

Midnight Raver

Renowned for his prolific output and complex, spiritually instructive lyrics.

BillboardVaughn Benjamin appreciation, 2019

He wasn't into clichés, he wanted to change minds. Vaughn always said he wasn't an entertainer or artist — that implied he was a part-timer.

Laurent "Tippy I" AlfredI Grade Records

A unique artist who touched the heart and soul of many reggae fans worldwide.

Reggae VibesThe Mythical Legend of Reggae (1969–2019)

One of the world's most influential roots reggae bands.

V.I. Consortium

Midnite

Midnite

The story

From the archive

From Midnite to Akae Beka

Midnite

PAST SHOWS

Links & social

What people are saying