Midnite and Akae Beka Explained: The Message, the Music, the Man Behind It All

If you love roots reggae, you may have heard the names Midnite and Akae Beka. These are not just bands—they are part of a deep musical journey led by Vaughn Benjamin, one of reggae’s most spiritual and powerful voices. Let’s explore their story and how these two bands are connected.

Who Was Midnite?

Midnite was a roots reggae band from the U.S. Virgin Islands, formed in 1989. The group was founded by brothers Vaughn and Ron Benjamin, from the island of St. Croix.

• Vaughn Benjamin – lead vocals and lyricist
• Ron Benjamin – keyboards, bass, production

Other core and frequent Midnite band members included:

• Phil Merchant – bass
• Christian Molina – drums
• Earl “Biggz” King – drums (early era)
• Kenroy “Non Stop” Mullings – guitar
• Jah David Goldfine – bass and co-producer (especially on Zion I Kings collaborations)

Midnite stood out from the start. Their music was deep, mystical, and conscious. The lyrics often focused on Rastafari, African history, spiritual truth, and social justice.

They weren’t making radio hits. They were making message music—true roots reggae that spoke to the soul.

Why Midnite Was So Special

Midnite’s music had a raw and meditative sound. Some songs were 10 minutes long, with minimalist rhythms and powerful lyrics. Vaughn’s voice was unique—haunting, chanting, poetic.

They released dozens of albums, starting with Unpolished in 1997. Over the years, Midnite worked with many different producers and labels, always staying true to their roots.

Their fan base grew quietly but steadily. For roots reggae lovers, Midnite was like a secret treasure.

The Birth of Akae Beka

In 2015, something changed. Midnite stopped performing under that name, and a new band appeared: Akae Beka.

But this wasn’t a totally new project—it was a continuation. Akae Beka was still led by Vaughn Benjamin, with many of the same musicians from Midnite. It carried the same spiritual message and sound, but with a new name and renewed energy.

Ron Benjamin still had a hand in some production on Akae Beka albums, particularly earlier ones.

The name “Akae Beka” comes from the Book of Enoch, an ancient spiritual text. It refers to an oath taken by angels. Just like the name, the music of Akae Beka was deeply spiritual and sacred.

Notable band members during Akae Beka’s active years included:

• Vaughn Benjamin – lead vocals and lyrics
• Jah David – bass (Zion I Kings / I Grade Records)
• Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred – co-producer, keyboards, engineering
• Andrew “Drew Keys” Stoch – trombone, keyboards
• Kenroy “Non Stop” Mullings – guitar
• Edwin “Kenny” Byron – drums
• Survival Sound Band – live backing band on tours

Akae Beka continued the same spiritual, lyrical, and sonic mission as Midnite—while refining production and deepening the message.

The Sound of Midnite and Akae Beka

Unique Production

Beyond Vaughn’s voice and lyrics, Ron Benjamin’s production during the Midnite era was crucial. Their sound was often characterized by raw, heavy basslines, intricate drum patterns, and a distinctly live feel. Many albums were recorded with minimal overdubs, contributing to their authentic sound.

The I Grade Connection

A significant portion of Midnite’s and Akae Beka’s most impactful work was done in collaboration with I Grade Records, a label based in St. Croix run by Laurent “Tippy” Alfred. Tippy’s production and engineering played a pivotal role in shaping their sound, especially from the early 2000s onward. This collaboration resulted in some of their most iconic albums.

Live Performances

Midnite and Akae Beka were also known for their legendary live shows, which were often long and spiritually intense. Vaughn Benjamin would perform for hours without breaks, delivering lyrics with hypnotic focus. These shows felt more like spiritual gatherings than typical concerts.

Vaughn Benjamin’s Influence and Legacy

Philosophical Depth

Vaughn Benjamin wasn’t just a songwriter—he was a thinker and philosopher. His lyrics were dense with Rastafarian theology, ancient history, African proverbs, and critiques of Babylon (the oppressive system). He used wordplay and symbolism, encouraging listeners to dig deep and reflect.

Inspiration for Other Artists

Vaughn’s unique approach to roots reggae inspired a new generation of artists—not just in the Virgin Islands, but worldwide. Many contemporary roots musicians cite him as a major influence on their sound and message.

“Word, Sound, and Power”

This Rastafarian concept was central to Vaughn’s artistry. He believed in the inherent power of words and sound to shape reality and awaken consciousness. His music was a direct expression of that belief.