Midnite

by Andrew HamiltonThe brainchild of brothers Ron and Vaughn Benjamin, Midnite formed in the Virgin Islands city of St. Croix in 1989. The quintet consists of Dion Hopkins (drummer), Joe Straws (bass), Trippa (guitarist), Ron (keyboards) and Vaughn (lead vocals). Theyre popular in St. Croix, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, and the East Coast of the States where they have gigged for five years. A well received three-week South Africa engagement represents their longest trek. Other than the Benjamins, the originals are a mystery, Straws a.k.a. Big Bass has been around for seven years, but Hopkins acclaimed for his one drop foundation, and Trippa for his tight back-beat skank, are relatively new; Vaughns the main songwriter, and Ron serves as the musical director. Steel Pulse, Barrington Levy, Hugh Masekela, and Gladys Knight & the Pips is a short list of artists Midnite has shared the stage with at various concerts. Their popularity extends to college campuses, including Rutgers, Temple, Johnson C. Smith, Clark-Atlanta University, and many more. Two CDs: Ras Mek Peace and Unpolished represents their political bent, and dance-hall flavor.