Stone Bros. Funeral Home and Chapel | FL

Obituary For Vaughn Andre' Benjamin

Vaughn Andre Benjamin of Midnite Band and Akae Beka unexpectedly passed away at Tradition Medical Center, Port St. Lucie, Fla. He was born in Antigua but was a long-time resident of St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands, and, most recently, Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Vaughn’s family appreciates the Virgin Islands offer to officially honor him on St Croix. We are aware of the gathering that has already taken place on the island to acknowledge his contributions to the reggae community in the territory and his accomplishments abroad and we are grateful.

After careful consideration, his parents, with the full support of his entire family, life partner and children, have decided to ship his body to Antigua for burial according to Vaughn’s wishes.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Nov. 25 at House of Restoration on Lauchland Benjamin Drive, St. Johns, Antigua. Interment will be private.

Vaughn was 50 years old. He was a creative musician, a visionary, a lyricist and an exceptional vocalist. The expanse of his intellect and intense desire to live fully and purposefully fueled the passion with which he approached his work. He was charismatic and insightful, complex, yet lived a simple life. His journey and passion for conscious reggae began with Midnite Band on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The band garnered enormous exposure and became known as “one of the world’s most influential roots reggae bands.”

As a result, Vaughn toured all over the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, North and South America, and Australia and continued on this trajectory in 2015 when he embarked on a solo journey as Akae Beka. His love of music and his disciplined, relentless thirst for knowledge resulted in a collection of writings spanning more than 40 years and amassing a catalog of over 70 albums in his lifetime.

The prolific lyricist was an intellectual whose focus was on making the world a better place the best way that he knew how, by bringing an awareness to many social, economic, political ills facing our world’s population using his gift of writing. Vaughn’s songs hit the Billboard Reggae Album top ten chart many times.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his parents: Ronald and Jenita Benjamin; life partner, Farrach Acevedo; children: Senuah Benjamin, Jahi Benjamin, Tsya Benjamin, Asasia Benjamin, Niani Benjamin, Kwengo Benjamin, Nyiieli Benjamin, Eleasah Benjamin, Staworro Benjamin and Nahariyya Benjamin; sisters: Shenneth Canegata and Anthea Harris; brother, Ron Benjamin; brother-in-law, Bruce Harris; aunts: Glendora Lewis – St. Croix, Rachel Price – Antigua, Hildred Otto – St. Croix, Rowena Medley – United Kingdom, Shirley Benjamin – United Kingdom, Vadis Grant – Antigua, Roma Nicholas – Florida, Claudette Brooks – New Orleans and Emelda Jackson – All Saints; uncle, Rolston Benjamin – St. Thomas; nieces: Ashley Frederick and Jessica Canegata; nephews: Andre Canegata, Ronnie (Jay) Benjamin Jr. and Aswan Benjamin; extended family: Stephanie Hodge, Naa Borle Sackeyfio, Halima Davis and Marie Masicott-Gorum.

He is also survived by beloved members of the Vigo, Braithwaite, Newton – Antigua and Dominica, Kent, Jacobs, Pigotts and King families; and many other family and friends too numerous to mention. Sunrise 13th August 1969, Sunset 4th November 2019.

Guest Book

Begin your day ......🖤❤

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I never met Vaughn personally but have been blessed over the years to partake in his wisdom through his incredibly deep lyricism. His music has been a mainstay since I was introduced to 'Great Zimbabwe Walls' 24 years ago while still in high school. Through mastery of the genre, vast knowledge and authentic humility he is able to teach, counsel, convict and communicate in a way only he could. Grateful to have shared time and space with Vaughn in this realm. Love and light, shine forever.

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I knew Vaughn from Freewill Baptist.... What a kind soul. Laverne (Gumbs)Tate

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I knew Vaughn from Freewill Baptist.... What a kind soul. Laverne (Gumbs)Tate

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R.I.P. King. You change the world with Word, Sound, and Power. It will reverberate for ages to come and we are grateful🙏🏼👑

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You were an inspiration to many, taught so whose 3rd eye was closed and now opened because of your Knowledge & Wisdom. Rest In POWER KING...You will I-ver reign in Our hearts and Souls.

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Blessed love to the King. Your lyrics changed my life to be more keen, observant and appreciate spiritualism. The rich vocabulary and potent lyrics in your songs challenged me to learn more about the world. Rest easy King you played your part. Selah.

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You will never be forgotten and will continue to be a guiding light amidst the darkness. Thank you for sharing your message around the world. Rest in Peace Vaughn Benjamin, Akae Beka. With love and appreciation, from Budapest, Hungary

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First and foremost my condolences goes out to his family especially to his kids. It was an honor to call you a friend you will always have a special place in my heart. I love you , may God rest your soul and your legacy will live on forever. One Love

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I "give thanks" for all Akea Beka teachings. His music has touched a very sacred place- the ❤. May we all find solace in knowing although Akea Beka has transitioned in the physical realm he will for I-ver remain with us through his music & teachings.. Akea Beka was a mystical sage with a mindset filled with so much knowledge & wisdom!! Give Thanks!!

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1 month since you left this earthly plain. I hope you know how much you are loved and most of all missed. SIP Vaughn..we will hold you in our hearts forever.

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First time i heard about Midnite was the day i saw the band on stage in South of France in 2005.What a onderfull time i've spend this night, the music was so mystic and the band too. Vaughn was so intense & full of higher spirit. This was for sure the most mystical concert of my life even if i didn't their music before.RIP Mr Benjamin, full respect for the music, inspiration.

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My condolences to the family. I am a fan of Vaughn's music. As a reggae lover from Holland he has a deep influence on my life. Trying to grasp the meaning of his songs and jusit enjoying the music is almost a daily routine. I visited the first Midnite concert in Europe in 2005 (France). I went there just to see Midnite and I've been to their shows ever since (last time as Akae Beka in my home town of Tilburg). Give thanks for his teachings. Stay strong and for sure, I will for ever play his music.

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REST IN POWER VAUGHN BENJAMIN AKA AKAE BEKA. YOUR MUSIC HAS CONNECTED TO SO MANY SOULS ACROSS THIS WORLD. WE WILL ALL LOVE AND MISS YOU AND WE WILL ALWAYS KEEP YOU IN OUR MEMORIES.

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Psalm 91 King James Version (KJV) "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation." Amour et Respaix de L´Éternel. Ancient of Days. Everlasting Ancient Elder upon the Right Side of Jehovah Throne in Holy Mount Zion

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We love you Vaughn. RIP...Always in our hearts.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Stone Bros. Funeral Home and Chapel