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."
The Battle
Midnite Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The Battle.
Thinking of how to cope the battle
How to cope the battle
The everyday toggle of adjustments in the now
Fast life, figure out how to come out
Yeaheee… The Battle
It’s an honor
It’s a praise
It’s a thunder,
Of the Good thing of the Emperor
Selah
Selassie I Jah
Honoring straight right now from come in
And bless a whole world say it right now
Make the whole Earth remember Abba Selah
Then the rest of the multi-faceted world that we prison up schedule up
Risen of conquering in yah…
Even if it turn to be who will be the recipient later
All praises be on to each and all generation what eat wha
Negus leave yah plead yah…
Lead with lo ami and me a tell you plead with la rumour
These three days later
Risen from the tomb, Jah magnify life and exemplify order
When come Selassie on David throne for?!?
Scripture to fulfill In a linear Karma
The Magi watch the sky see the signs and done know that
It’s the Healer
The Ruler,
The Leader
Cope the Battle
Thinking of how to cope the battle
Genus rag and mass them a quote for them voter
Wrote with a pen and blade need a rotor
Written in the Book of Life crossing over
Numb being amnesia and the weed was broken
Running into the subway in a hoody half frozen
Those said the slavery was for a soul to be ennoble
The Book of Degrees and in what sense tell them plans for
Secession from the whole thing means spoken
Daarth and the Shadows in the hidden anger building boiling
Just to prove them know how you treat them
Treat them with the fairness, clearness, realness, shareness
To each his own
What the world done know, awareness
All over the world…people a bun Sess!!!
Make it burn!!!
The Battle
Just to cope the battle
The battle
How to cope the battle
Just to for the healthiest balance life closis
Working to day when the balance is the closest
Mistakes are blessings of the mote take notice
Ethiopia the remnant, Ethiopia the oldest
Who is the wickedest and who is the oldest
Who is wrong one and still is the oldest
The ancient prophet and seers who script and foretold this
Hidden to the forgotten
Why the whole Earth behold this
Is Rastaman who know
Where his role is planting seed…
In holding upful thoughts we have come too far
Think nothing but the gold rain come down bringing inspiration
Is the days and the seasons
Respect to the host of I ancestral ones. Knowww!!!
That keeps a battle
Just Life’s a Battle
The Battle
Thinking of how to cope the battle
Many ones to cope the battle
How to cope the battle
How to cope the battle
The Battle
The Battle
That keeps a Battle.
The song "The Battle" by Midnite deals with the everyday struggles of life and urges the audience to cope with difficulties efficiently. The song's lyrics convey the idea that life is a battle, and everyone has to face it. The singer expresses his thoughts on how to navigate the challenges of life and come out victorious. The singer urges the listeners to cope with their problems and find a balanced life.
The song also speaks about the honor and praise of Selassie I Jah, who blesses the whole world. The lyrics describe the conquest of Selassie, who reigns in glory forever. The song also mentions the ancient prophet and seers who scripted and foretold this.
Midnite's "The Battle" is not just a song but a spiritual journey. The artist inspires the listener to have faith, stay connected to their roots, and not give up in the face of adversity. The song captures the essence of reggae and Rastafarian culture, which is all about finding inner peace and calmness in the face of life's challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Thinking of how to cope the battle
Reflecting on strategies to overcome the challenges ahead
How to cope the battle
Seeking ways to manage and survive in difficult circumstances
The everyday toggle of adjustments in the now
The constant need for adaptation and change in the present
Fast life, figure out how to come out
In a fast-paced world, find ways to succeed and thrive
It’s an honor
It is a privilege to recognize and praise the greatness of Selassie I Jah
It’s a praise
Celebrating the divine qualities and attributes of the Emperor
It’s a thunder, Of the Good thing of the Emperor
His greatness and power are awe-inspiring and beneficial
Selah
Interjection of pause and reflection
Selassie I Jah
Referring to Haile Selassie I, an influential Ethiopian leader and religious figure
Honoring straight right now from come in
Expressing respect and admiration for Selassie I Jah in the present moment
And bless a whole world say it right now
Asking for blessings and positive influence for the entire world
Make the whole Earth remember Abba Selah
Encouraging global recognition and reverence for Selassie I Jah
Then the rest of the multi-faceted world that we prison up schedule up
Referring to the various societal structures and systems that constrain and limit us
Risen of conquering in yah…
Referring to the power and impact of Selassie I Jah's teachings and legacy
Even if it turn to be who will be the recipient later
Regardless of who benefits in the future
All praises be on to each and all generation what eat wha
Acknowledging and giving thanks for the blessings of each generation
Negus leave yah plead yah…
Advice to approach leadership with humility and a sense of service
Lead with lo ami and me a tell you plead with la rumour
Guidance to lead with love, kindness and fairness
These three days later
Referring to three days after the crucifixion of Jesus
Risen from the tomb, Jah magnify life and exemplify order
Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus and the power of life that it represents
When come Selassie on David throne for?!?
Asking when Selassie I Jah will take his rightful place as ruler
Scripture to fulfill In a linear Karma
Fulfillment of prophecy and destiny over time
The Magi watch the sky see the signs and done know that
Referring to the wise men who observed the star of Bethlehem and understood its significance
It’s the Healer, The Ruler, The Leader
Listing the qualities and titles of Jesus and Selassie I Jah
Genus rag and mass them a quote for them voter
Addressing social, political and economic issues affecting people of African descent
Wrote with a pen and blade need a rotor
Using writing and creativity as tools for social activism
Written in the Book of Life crossing over
The impact of actions and words lasting beyond one's lifetime
Numb being amnesia and the weed was broken
Overcoming feelings of apathy or forgetfulness with a renewed sense of purpose
Running into the subway in a hoody half frozen
Navigating the challenges of day-to-day life with resilience and perseverance
Those said the slavery was for a soul to be ennoble
Responding to justifications for slavery that built on false or twisted logic
The Book of Degrees and in what sense tell them plans for
Referring to a book of the Bible and the importance of understanding one's personal path
Secession from the whole thing means spoken
Breaking free from oppressive systems and structures
Daarth and the Shadows in the hidden anger building boiling
Addressing hidden or suppressed anger and frustration with systemic injustices
Just to prove them know how you treat them
Asserting that people will remember how they are treated and respond accordingly
Treat them with the fairness, clearness, realness, shareness
Encouraging respectful, honest and equitable treatment of others
To each his own
Respecting individual differences and beliefs
What the world done know, awareness
The importance of being informed, conscious and aware of the world around us
All over the world…people a bun Sess!!!
Rebuking and condemning the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and prejudices
Make it burn!!!
Urging action and resistance against oppression and injustice
Many ones to cope the battle
Acknowledging the multitude of people dealing with life's challenges
How to cope the battle
Searching for practical ways to overcome obstacles and difficulties
Just to for the healthiest balance life closis
Striving to achieve a healthy balance in life
Working to day when the balance is the closest
Putting in effort to achieve balance in the present moment
Mistakes are blessings of the mote take notice
Viewing mistakes as opportunities for growth and improvement
Ethiopia the remnant, Ethiopia the oldest
Recognizing Ethiopia as a symbol of resistance and resilience
Who is the wickedest and who is the oldest
Challenging conventional notions of power and hierarchy
Who is wrong one and still is the oldest
Questioning the morality and legitimacy of certain institutions and systems
The ancient prophet and seers who script and foretold this
Honoring the wisdom and foresight of past prophets and leaders
Hidden to the forgotten
Recognizing that some truths and knowledge have been lost or suppressed over time
Why the whole Earth behold this
Questioning why certain truths and histories have been obscured or ignored
Is Rastaman who know
Affirming the knowledge and awareness of Rastafari
Where his role is planting seed…
Recognizing one's duty to sow the seeds of positive change and growth
In holding upful thoughts we have come too far
Recognizing the power of positive thinking and reflection in achieving progress
Think nothing but the gold rain come down bringing inspiration
Encouraging positive and optimistic thinking to foster creativity and growth
Is the days and the seasons
Acknowledge the cyclical nature of time and life
Respect to the host of I ancestral ones. Knowww!!!
Honoring and paying respect to past generations and ancestors
That keeps a battle
Recognizing that life is full of challenges and struggles
Just Life’s a Battle
Acknowledging that life itself can feel like a constant battle
The Battle
A repeated phrase emphasizing the struggles and challenges of life
Contributed by Julian L. 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