Page 58 - Reggae Festival Guide Magazine 2017
P. 58
RastafaRi
RastafaRi
souljahs
souljahs
of the ViRgin islands
of the ViRgin islands
By Ihi Tochi
By Ihi Tochi
Click here to see the world premiere of Akae Beka's "One Foot In Front"
The U.S. Virgin Islands (V.I.) of St. Thomas, St. reggae music grew organically as a distinct
Croix and St. John have a unique set of cultural sound arising from a distinct consciousness. In
and historic influences, becoming one of only the 1990s when the mystical band Midnite first
two U.S. territories in the Caribbean alongside arrived in the states, an international fan base
Puerto Rico in 1917. There has been a strong for V.I. roots reggae was born.
preservation of African roots in the U.S. Virgin The vanguards of conscious V.I. roots reggae
Islands throughout the generations, and a music are brothers Vaughn and Ron Benjamin,
significant presence of Rastafari consciousness of the now legendary band Midnite. Devoted to
in the V.I. dates as far back as the 1930s. V.I. roots singing hymns unto H.I.M. worldwide over a 25-
58 REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE 2017
