Beautiful Virgin Islands

Tuesday, Jun 03, 2025

BVI pays tribute to roots reggae legend Vaughn Benjamin

The British Virgin Islands has joined the rest of the world in mourning the death of a man they referred to as a “roots reggae legend” and “spiritual father”, Mr Vaughn Benjamin, a resident of St Croix, US Virgin Islands.

Benjamin’s death came as plans were well underway for his 2020 European tour.

The respected reggae singer, aged 50, died on November 4, 2019, and his family confirmed but opted not to release the cause of death, at least not yet.

From Midnite to Akae Beka


Vaughn, who was born in Antigua but moved to St Croix at aged 8, and his brother Ron Jr rose to fame with their music and band, 'Midnite', shortly after they launched in 1989.

After the siblings decided to do music separately, Vaughn rebranded the band Akae Beka, a name that came from the Book of Enoch, chapter 68, verse 20-24.

On the band’s official website, it says that Benjamin is “rooted firmly in the teachings of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie I.”

A biography on Midnite said the band members relocated from their homeland in 1994 to live in New Jersey. From there, the band began touring across the east coast of the United States before settling in Washington DC.

Former Midnite drummer Ambrose Connor said of Washington DC at the time, “The reggae scene in DC circa 1995 was crazy! You could see live reggae music almost 5 nights a week. We played clubs like the Roxy, Takoma Station, Mr Henry’s, Kaffa House, State of the Union. The crowds were always positive and turnout was always good.”

Tributes


Benjamin was very close to many residents of the Virgin Islands (VI), including Gregory A. Callwood, Dirk L. Walters, Jason Williams aka Revalation Da Royal and Darius Semper aka Shine-I, who all expressed sadness at his passing.

Williams posted on Facebook: "I don't think the world know the lost we are enduring right now by the passing of such a GREAT KING!!! This is a very sad day in history, you are amongst all the great leaders that we have lost! HIGH PRIEST!!! THE MOST teachings I have ever heard in music was from your meditation! I got the news and it still doesn't register in my mind that you’re no longer with us! You are my brother, my teacher, and a great friend!"

Williams continued, "I'll never speak publicly about our last conversation, but please trust and believe I took heed to EVERY WORD you told me. You will always be a guide to my life! Thank you for motivating me, thank you for your music, thank Jah for giving us such a great soul on earth! We love you and will NEVER forget the power of your presence! The MOST HIGH was ready for his soldier to come home, [though] we wish [you] was here, there's no arguing with Jah's work, yet we can't help the way we feel! R.I.P. HONORABLE GREAT KING!!! Akae Beka,” he said.

Callwood in his tribute wrote: “Few words on this unexpected day of Ascension of the Highest Order. He remains for- I’ve One of the greatest Prophets and Poets to bless the earthly plane. His words - infinite multitudes of deep words - live Immortal and eternally through the vast volume of music he offers humanity.”

Benjamin performed many times in VI


It was through the close ties of Callwood and the Benjamin family that Vaughn Benjamin performed several times at Foxy’s on Jost van Dyke, the Emancipation Festivals in Road Town, Tortola and even the Music Festival at Cane Garden Bay.

Callwood travelled on many occasions to support the band, both as Midnite and Akea Beka.

Coincidentally, Benjamin died on Callwood's birthday.

Meanwhile, Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture Dr The Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) also spoke fondly of Benjamin, recalling being inspired by his music during his last performance in the VI.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
China Accuses US of Violating Trade Truce
Panama Port Owner Balances US-China Pressures
France Implements Nationwide Outdoor Smoking Ban to Protect Children
German Chancellor Merz Keeps Putin Guessing on Missile Strategy
Mandelson Criticizes UK's 'Fetish' for Abandoning EU Regulations
British Fishing Boat Owner Fined €30,000 by French Authorities
Dutch government falls as far-right leader Wilders quits coalition
Harvard Urges US to Unfreeze Funds for Public Health Research
Businessman Mauled by Lion at Luxury Namibian Lodge
Researchers Consider New Destinations Beyond the U.S.
53-Year-Old Doctor Claims Biological Age of 23
Trump Struggles to Secure Trade Deals With China and Europe
Russia to Return 6,000 Corpses Under Ukraine Prisoner Swap Deal
Microsoft Lays Off Hundreds More Amid Restructuring
Harvey Weinstein’s Publicist Embraces Notoriety
Macron and Meloni Seek Unity Despite Tensions
Trump Administration Accused of Obstructing Deportation Cases
Newark Mayor Sues Over Arrest at Immigration Facility
Center-Left Candidate Projected to Win South Korean Presidency
Trump’s Tariffs Predicted to Stall Global Economic Growth
South Korea’s President-Elect Expected to Take Softer Line on Trump and North Korea
Trump’s China Strategy Remains a Geopolitical Puzzle
Ukraine Executes Long-Range Drone Strikes on Russian Airbases
Conservative Karol Nawrocki wins Poland’s presidential election
Study Identifies Potential Radicalization Risk Among Over One Million Muslims in Germany
Good news: Annalena Baerbock Elected President of the UN General Assembly
Apple Appeals EU Law Over User Data Sharing Requirements
South Africa: "First Black Bank" Collapses after Being Looted by Owners
Poland will now withdraw from the EU migration pact after pro-Trump nationalist wins Election
"That's Disgusting, Don’t Say It Again": The Trump Joke That Made the President Boil
Trump Cancels NASA Nominee Over Democratic Donations
Paris Saint-Germain's Greatest Triumph Is Football’s Lowest Point
OnlyFans for Sale: From Lockdown Lifeline to Eight-Billion-Dollar Empire
Mayor’s Security Officer Implicated | Shocking New Details Emerge in NYC Kidnapping Case
Hegseth Warns of Potential Chinese Military Action Against Taiwan
OPEC+ Agrees to Increase Oil Output for Third Consecutive Month
Jamie Dimon Warns U.S. Bond Market Faces Pressure from Rising Debt
Turkey Detains Istanbul Officials Amid Anti-Corruption Crackdown
Taylor Swift Gains Ownership of Her First Six Albums
Bangkok Ranked World's Top City for Remote Work in 2025
Satirical Sketch Sparks Political Spouse Feud in South Korea
Indonesia Quarry Collapse Leaves Multiple Dead and Missing
South Korean Election Video Pulled Amid Misogyny Outcry
Asian Economies Shift Away from US Dollar Amid Trade Tensions
Netflix Investigates Allegations of On-Set Mistreatment in K-Drama Production
US Defence Chief Reaffirms Strong Ties with Singapore Amid Regional Tensions
Vietnam Faces Strategic Dilemma Over China's Mekong River Projects
Malaysia's First AI Preacher Sparks Debate on Islamic Principles
White House Press Secretary Criticizes Harvard Funding, Advocates for Vocational Training
France to Implement Nationwide Smoking Ban in Outdoor Spaces Frequented by Children
×