St. Croix, US Virgin Islands – It is with heavy heart and endless gratitude for the teachings & music that we share the devastating news of the crossing over to the next dimension by one of the most brilliant, original, prophetic writers and chanters we ever had the blessing to know. Reggae Festival Guide will truly, deeply, miss our wonderful brother and beloved friend for over a decade – the mystical Vaughn Benjamin of Midnite Band, then Akae Beka.
Vaughn’s life & lyrics were Livicated to JAH and his music touched upon esoteric and ethereal realms of ancient and modern history, the sciences, metaphysics and beyond.
His perspective on Rastafari and life taught loyal fans around the world and will continue to be an epic example of a life serving JAH and spreading knowledge. He taught us so much we will be forever grateful for the heights!
The world has lost a true shining star and prolific teacher unlike any being to ever walk the earth. Vaughn and his brother Ron Benjamin created a new meditative genre within roots reggae, rooted in ancient Ithiopian chanting and toured the globe as Midnite for 20 years before Akae Beka.
With one of the largest catalogs we know of, approximately 73 albums as of this writing and many unreleased albums, we are blessed to be able to listen to his deep lyrics and spirituality for the ages, some call his work “Teachings set to captivating roots rhythms.” The gift of his music will continue to teach future generations.
Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to his family and fans worldwide.
We Give Jah The Glory for ever bringing this masterful orator to earth and now we say Rest In Paradise bredren & eternal thanks from the heart. We still can’t believe it but we know that Selassie I JAH is with you. Maximum RASpect and gratitude for your generous creative legacy.