Midnite

Midnite was created in the 1990s by the two Benjamin brothers, Ron and Vaughn. The group is one of the most acclaimed on the island of St Croix. Midnite has five members: Philip Merchant (bass), Dion Hopkins (drums), Abijah (guitar), Ron Benjamin (artistic director and keyboards) and lead vocalist Vaughn Benjamin. Midnite has built a solid reputation in conscious reggae. As authentic Rastas, their music is dedicated to the Almighty. Where you might expect roots reggae, their music is openly cross-over. Borrowing from dub, hip hop, roots or dancehall, it is hard to classify.

Their first album "Unpolished" came out in 1997, when the group was based in Washington DC. In 1999, their collaboration with Wildchild! Rec. led them to record the album "Ras Mek Peace" (with no added effects and on two tracks!). The group's talent logically asserted itself. Midnite then decided to return to St Croix, a return that would stimulate the island's musical activity. They organised themselves and created the label Afrikan Roots Lab in 2000. "Jubilees of Zion", their 3rd album, appeared that same year. Album after album, Midnite progress and constantly renew themselves musically. The Benjamin brothers experiment and blend all sorts of elements, giving a music inspired by Jamaica but original in form. "Seek Knowlegde before Vengeance" came out in 2002 and "Intense Pressure" the following year. This dub album is one of the best of its kind on an island that rarely practises dub. It is the group's first dub album.

Under the name Midnite, the group has released 7 albums to date. The last two are "Scheme A Things" and "Ainshant Maps" in 2004. Midnite also record with a modified line-up under the names Midnite Branch I (6 albums) and Midnite I Grade (4 albums). Under the latter name, the group signed the 2001 album "Nemozian Rasta", on which the female artist Dezarie appears. The last album released for I Grade is the acclaimed "Let Live". Midnite have started to go a long way, with several tours of North America, Western countries, Brazil, Puerto Rico and St Croix of course. Midnite's message is resolutely conscious and Rasta. A little musical gem from the US Virgin Islands. Midnite are one of the most creative groups of the moment and, although very inspired by Jamaica, offer a new approach to reggae in the broadest sense.