Akae Beka: “Black Carbon”

Photo: Akae Beka music

The following visual for the song “Black Carbon” by legendary St. Croix Roots Reggae artist Vaughn “Akae Beka” Benjamin featuring Reggae phenom Chronixx was just released by I Grade Records.

The song is another offering that was left for us from the fertile mind of Vaughn “Akae Beka” Benjamin, the former co-founder of the Midnite Reggae band, who transitioned to the ancestors on November 4, 2019 in Port St. Lucie, Florida, at age 50.

With his brother Ron Benjamin Jr., Akae Beka started the Midnite band circa 1989 following in the footsteps of their musician father Ron Benjamin Sr.

This posthumous release isn’t a surprise since Benjamin has entered the musical record books as one of the most prolific lyric writers ever. It is said Benjamin left over 70 albums of recorded material–which apparently doesn’t include outputs such as this Black Carbon single, which was produced by standout music producer Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred, founder of St. Croix-based I Grade Records.

Alfred collaborated with Benjamin over many years and has been blessing Roots Reggae fans with new tracks from the artist since he left us on this physical plane.

In 2020, I Grade Records released a now classic recording with Benjamin and Ivory Coast Reggae superstar Tiken Jah Fakoly called “Everything Bless.” Black Carbon’s combination with Chronixx’s input is destined to secure a similar place in the annals of Roots Reggae.

I Grade Records, and “Tippy I” Alfred, are to be praised for collaborating and marrying important Reggae artists like Fakoly, and now Chronixx, to the profound music of the great Vaughn “Akae Beka” Benjamin.