Midnite

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Midnite is a crucial roots reggae band hailing from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.

The band's music follows in tradition with the legendary 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 overtly Rastafarian 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 band was started by brothers Vaughn (vocals) and Ron (keyboard) Benjamin, and has been playing since 1989. They recorded Ras Mek Peace (Before Reverb and Without Delay) while living in Washington, D.C. during the mid-90s. The album was named so, because it was reportedly recorded live in one room with only two microphones. It's clarity and full sound is thus remarkable. 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.

Since returning to the U.S. Virgin Islands, the name Midnite has become mostly associated with singer Vaughn Benjamin and the band seldom records as a unit. Most releases feature Vaughn on vocals and an evolving group of collaborators performing or programming the back-up.