The band was started by brothers Vaughn Benjamin (August 13, 1969 - November 4, 2019)
(vocals) and Ron Benjamin (keyboard, but later switched to bass) circa 1989 according to an interview with former Midnite drummer Ambrose "Amby" Connor by Midnight Raver. 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 overtly Rastafari 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.
The Benjamin 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.
"Bob Marley has had a big impact. And the drum and the bass from like Flabba Holt. Sometimes I listen to the bass man alone or the drummer alone."
The group's debut album Unpolished was released exclusively in Namibia in December 1997. The album would not see a proper U.S. release until the Rastafaria label released it wide in 2001. 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. 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. Like Unpolished, Ras Mek Peace (Before Reverb and Without Delay) is recorded using no mixing board, no filtering, no compression, no equalization, no noise reduction, multitracking or overdubbing, giving it a similar raw sound. The album was recorded using only two-tracks at Mapleshade in Upper Marlboro, MD with studio engineer and owner Pierre Sprey whose recording style is summed up in the phrase he had printed to green Mapleshade T-shirts to promote the studio: NO Mixing Board, NO Overdubs, NO Noise Reduction, NO Compression, NO Multitracks, NO Reverb, NO EQ, Nothing BUT The Excitement of Live Music, MUSIC WITHOUT COMPROMISE.
Later, they returned home to St. Croix in the late '90s to play with local musicians and record at their music studio, Afrikan Roots Lab.
Midnite frequently collaborates with new artists and has played as the back-up band on a number of Afrikan 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". 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.
The band was featured in the 2014 documentary film Escape To St Croix.
In 2015, the band reformed around co-founder Vaughn Benjamin as Akae Beka without bassist Ron Benjamin. Ras Elyments Took Ron Benjamins Position on Bass. Suren Felton Replaced Ras L on Keys. The reasons for the reformation have been stated as due to "Life changes, convictions and revelations. Stated on the band website was "Due to a medical emergency the tour is postponed" Members of the band themselves won't even say during the recent Akae Beka Coronation Tour in November 2015. '. Akae Beka's first performance took place in Denver, Colorado on July 17, 2015 in honor of Nelson Mandela Day.
Vaughn Benjamin died in Port St. Lucie, Florida, on November 4, 2019, at the age of 50.
In its Top 50 Reggae Albums of the 2K list, reggae news and information website Midnight Raver ranked Midnite's Jubilees of Zion as the best album of the new millennium and 'Beauty for Ashes' as the third best. In its review of Akae Beka's Homage To The Land, Midnight Raver referred to Midnite as "the most revered, influential and prolific reggae act in two decades."
Lianess
Midnite Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In every ten strides
Taken into a land of traffic
Where the people regard not the person of the old
Nor the young son
Speak a riddle unto the rebellious station
And say unto them “What is your Mother?”
Lianess
Principally rock solid upon
Empress When she be strong the whole I-niverse rest
When she be storm she literalize the tempest
Yes, yes
Babylon, you ain’t even thief no
Thief and manipulation to scatter the nest
Concept of the demon mother with son fatherless
And any day she put to the test
Every day she put to the test
But who can find a virtuous woman?
Who can find a virtuous woman?
Her loyalty is the priceless
She deliver I to no beast confess
Lianess, yes yes, Lianess
Principally rock solid upon
Empress When she be strong the whole I-niverse rest
When she be storm she literalize the tempest
Yes, yes
To defend who she got
Whatever the state of the nation she now dispossess
She the I and I fi treat the best
Whatever welcome the goblins of hi tech
Togetherness I and I tek and mek
Ahh Lianess
Principally rock solid upon
Empress When she be strong the whole I-niverse rest
When she be storm she literalize the tempest
Yes, yes
To fully go sick upon her chest parts
Become like Zion The wicked man coming after
Well, is a Lion zary fool but a rule mock a rule
Well is a whole leap of fire
Royal Akasha Monkey would not climb
Come reinstate that cant Respect
Rasta, on top of Melchizedek Order
Ahh Lianess
Principally rock solid upon
Empress When she be strong the whole I-niverse rest
When she be storm she literalize the tempest
Yes, yes
Build her regard for the truth
By being at her seat
She really now fi flex
Flighty, flighty orderless
traight moving pon me
Disrespect, stay back
When they see her highly
Carrying herself highly
Carrying herself highly
Carrying herself highly
Lianess
Principally rock solid upon
Empress When she be strong the whole I-niverse rest
When she be storm she literalize the tempest
Yes, yes
Build her regard for the truth
By being at her seat
She really now fi flex
Flighty, flighty orderless
Straight moving pon me
Disrespect, stay back
When them see her carrying herself highly
When them see…see that she carry herself highly K
now and bother of accomplishing she lit up in the Trinity
Ahh…
She’s a Lianess
Principally rock solid upon
Empress When she be strong the whole I-niverse rest
When she be storm she literalize the tempest
Yes, yes
To defend who she got
Whatever the state of the nation she now dispossess
She the I and I fi treat the best
Whatever welcome from come the goblins coming from the west.
Hi tech Together
I and I tek and mek
Togetherness
Oh yeah…
She’s a Lianess
Principally rock solid upon
Empress When she be strong the whole I-niverse rest
When she be storm she literalize the tempest
Yes, yes Lianess
Rastafari, Rastafari decree!
The song Lianess by Midnite is a tribute to women, specifically to the virtuous and strong women who keep the world and their communities in balance. The lyrics begin with a Rastafari decree, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural significance of the song. The first verse speaks of a riddle to be spoken to the "rebellious station," asking them to consider who their mother is, suggesting that all people come from a universal mother who deserves respect.
The chorus describes the central figure of the song, the Lianess, who is "rock solid" and "principally" an Empress. She is an embodiment of strength and balance, able to hold the entire universe together when she is strong and literalizing the tempest when she is stormy. She is contrasted with Babylon, who steals and manipulates, and with the demon mother with son fatherless. The Lianess is a faithful and loyal woman who is worthy of trust and respect.
The second verse describes the Lianess as a defender of those under her care, able to keep them safe in any state of the nation. Whoever comes to her, whether goblins from the west or the hi-tech invaders, will be met with togetherness and respect. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus and a final Rastafari decree, reinforcing the spiritual message of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
In every ten strides Taken into a land of traffic Where the people regard not the person of the old Nor the young son Speak a riddle unto the rebellious station And say unto them “What is your Mother?”
Walking in a bustling city, realizing how little respect is given to both the elder generation and the youth. Poses a question to those who fail to acknowledge their roots by asking them about their past.
Lianess Principally rock solid upon Empress When she be strong the whole I-niverse rest When she be storm she literalize the tempest
Referring to a strong and principled woman, who when she is feeling empowered, the whole world benefits from her stability. Alternatively, when she is frustrated, her tumult can be felt across the world.
Babylon, you ain’t even thief no Thief and manipulation to scatter the nest Concept of the demon mother with son fatherless And any day she put to the test Every day she put to the test But who can find a virtuous woman? Who can find a virtuous woman? Her loyalty is the priceless She deliver I to no beast confess
Judging the society that promotes manipulative, immoral behavior which separates families from each other. Praising the notion of a dependable partner, who remains loyal and virtuous even in the midst of adversity.
To defend who she got Whatever the state of the nation she now dispossess She the I and I fi treat the best Whatever welcome the goblins of hi tech Togetherness I and I tek and mek
Describing a caring woman who will always protect and defend her own, even in the toughest of situations. Advocating the power of collaboration and teamwork to overcome any obstacles.
To fully go sick upon her chest parts Become like Zion The wicked man coming after Well, is a Lion zary fool but a rule mock a rule Well is a whole leap of fire Royal Akasha Monkey would not climb Come reinstate that cant Respect Rasta, on top of Melchizedek Order
Equating taking action and defending a virtuous woman to achieving a state of enlightenment, like Zion. Encouraging people to showcase strength in the face of adversity and to follow a path that leads to personal fulfillment and respect for others.
Build her regard for the truth By being at her seat She really now fi flex Flighty, flighty orderless Straight moving pon me Disrespect, stay back When they see her carrying herself highly Carrying herself highly Carrying herself highly
Encouraging people to build their trust of a reliable woman by fully understanding her personality and mindset, and being supportive of her. Describing the importance of having a structured and organized approach to life, and how she should demand respect from those around her as she conducts herself with dignity.
Contributed by Adam S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Sista Iria Cruzan Ohioan
on 360
How it come out
pon the label
Part one the scene
Pon the register pon the turntable
An art come in
And then the form metamorph
Like them don't regard
That part is the history
And it broke out a wall
Reach the world afterall
High King Selassie I the first
He is The Master of Verse with finalities
And the people have dem selection fe which dem a
each
when traveling journeys
And before you even realize
you reach how the vibes stay 'plete
Complete
Mek a Heaven where you dead there have you
choose it away
And leave
If Instructional word people don't wan't to
heard
When is plea
Afraid of the wait and see
End up 360
expression
Everyone in reality inna similarity
Look how everywhere you reach
a look alike you see to somebody
Music whey help people take their stand
New music worldwide always in demand
Jah give the mountain, waters and the sand
They watching the metamorphosis of
expression
interesante song
This is how it move along
ant it a hill and valley
Itiful country,country
Country nah feel so jumpy
Fe steady and easy
Is really a scenic drive to see
And the spirit ina right vibrationally
Inna the natural how to see
How the Earth look free
And the birds and the bees done see
See you a pree
And come in visitationally
Is a Rastaman he be
Haile Selassie
Yagga pot ina jeep
Sista Iria Cruzan Ohioan
on 360
How it come out
pon the label
Part one the scene
Pon the register pon the turntable
An art come in
And then the form metamorph
Like them don't regard
That part is the history
And it broke out a wall
Reach the world afterall
High King Selassie I the first
He is The Master of Verse with finalities
And the people have dem selection fe which dem a
each
when traveling journeys
And before you even realize
you reach how the vibes stay 'plete
Complete
Mek a Heaven where you dead there have you
choose it away
And leave
If Instructional word people don't wan't to
heard
When is plea
Afraid of the wait and see
End up 360
expression
Everyone in reality inna similarity
Look how everywhere you reach
a look alike you see to somebody
Music whey help people take their stand
New music worldwide always in demand
Jah give the mountain, waters and the sand
They watching the metamorphosis of
expression
interesante song
This is how it move along
ant it a hill and valley
Itiful country,country
Country nah feel so jumpy
Fe steady and easy
Is really a scenic drive to see
And the spirit ina right vibrationally
Inna the natural how to see
How the Earth look free
And the birds and the bees done see
See you a pree
And come in visitationally
Is a Rastaman he be
Haile Selassie
Yagga pot ina jeep
Wun
on Livity
Word Hide
Wun
on Livity
Waiting as the documents arrive
Wun
on Livity
Shredding machines stay on, waiting as the documents arrive
RAS KARMA
on Again a Lion
Covenant ( as in the Nazerite Covenant)
Jahlion
on That's On You (Owna Dirt)
One of the most spiritual reggae tunes ever. Truth ina the music being produced by Jah gifted mind fe lift I black righteous Israelite
Praca Tuner
on Jah Ovah
Everytime I listen to Midnite I am motivated to live a better life. Beautiful indeed.
Kris
on Strongly
Hello. Does any one knows where can I find the lyrics from the son strongly from the disc scheme a things? Thanks
Sophia Campbell
on In 8
Can you please post the lyrics for In 8