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Biography
Midnite
Midnite is a roots reggae band from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, which has been playing since 1989.[1]
The band's music follows in tradition with the roots reggae bands of 1970s Jamaica. The lyrical portions of Midnite's compositions are characterized as the "chant and call" style which gives their music a spiritually intense and an overtlyRastafari movement feel. The lyrics are centrally focused on the plights of the oppressed, the inherent faults of the current political, economic and social settings on a global scale, and the redemption available to mankind through a life dedicated to Jah.
History[edit]
The band was started by Benjamin brothers Vaughn (vocals) and Ron (keyboard, but later switched to bass) circa 1989 according to an interview with former Midnite drummer Ambrose "Amby" Connor by Midnight Raver.[2] The brothers were raised in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, the sons of Antiguan musician Ronnie Benjamin, Sr. Vaughn Benjamin cites Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, The Abyssinians, and bassist Flabba Holt as his earliest influences.[3]
They recorded Ras Mek Peace (Before Reverb and Without Delay) while living in Washington, D.C. during the mid-90s, and it was released in November 1999.[5] The album was named so, because it was reportedly recorded live in one room, straight to two-track analog tape. It was mastered without the use of compression or corrective equalization. [6] Later, they returned home to St. Croix in the late '90s to play with local musicians and record at their music studio, African Roots Lab.
Midnite frequently collaborates with new artists and has played as the back-up band on a number of African Roots Lab artists' releases, such as Dezarie's Fya and Gracious Mama Africa and Ikahba's Trodding to Zion.
In September 2011, Midnite released their first professionally produced music video for their song "Mongst I&I".[7] The video features members of the band in casual settings and depicts the Rastafarian culture in Frederiksted, United States Virgin Islands (referred to as "Freedom City," St. Croix), and Kingston, Jamaica.
Singer Vaughn Benjamin featured on Tribal Seeds' 2014 album Representing.[8]
The band was featured in the 2014 documentary film Escape To St Croix.[9]
Discography[edit]
- 1997 - Unpolished
- 1999 - Ras Mek Peace
- 2002 - Jubilees Of Zion
- 2002 - Seek Knowledge Before Vengeance
- 2003 - Intense Pressure (dub)
- 2004 - Scheme A Things
- 2004 - Ainshant Maps
- 2008 - Live 94117
- 2010 - What Makes A King ?
- 2011 - Anthology
- 2013 - Lion Out Of Zion
| Midnite | |
|---|---|
|
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| Background information | |
| Origin | St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Genres | Reggae |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Labels | Rastafaria, I Grade Records |
| Website |
www |
| Members |
Vaughn Benjamin Ron Benjamin Christian Molina Edmund Fieulleteau Edwin Byron Ras L |
| Past members | Ambrose "Amby" Connor |