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Vijan
ReleaseProduct
Vijan
Artist
Akae Beka
Label
Before Zero Records
Catalogue Number
IGBZRLP009
Release Date
January 16, 2026

Vijan, originally released in 2003 by I Grade Records, is a seminal release from the “golden era” of St. Croix roots reggae, now available for the first time on 12” vinyl courtesy of Before Zero Records.

Produced by the legendary combination of Vaughn Benjamin and Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred, Vijan balances the raw, spiritual intensity of Vaughn’s songwriting with the sophisticated, melodic arrangements that became the hallmark of the I Grade sound.

This album features an incredible lineup of musicians who helped shape the sound of Virgin Islands reggae. The production credits boast the textured guitar layers of Tuff Lion , the deep, driving bass of Kenyatta Itola , and the rhythmic precision of Dion “Bosie” Hopkins. Uniquely, this album also showcases Vaughn Benjamin’s versatility as a multi-instrumentalist, contributing drums, bass, and keys on standout tracks like “All Ye Naashan” and “Thanks for Life”.

Akae Beka’s inimitable style of rich, deep, multi-layered songwriting and uncompromising devotion to RasTafari is on full display here. At the point of his untimely passing in 2019, Vaughn Benjamin had released over 70 albums, solidifying his place as one of the most prolific reggae artists ever known. Vijan remains a glowing highlight in this expansive catalogue, capturing a specific moment of creative brilliance in the early 2000s.

The vinyl reissue allows listeners to engage with the album’s analogue richness and features the striking original artwork by Marcus Wilson, presented here as a 12” square masterpiece.

Akae Beka on Spotify

Digital Tracklist

  1. 1 All Ye Naashan 3:48 Buy

    All Ye Naashan

  2. 2 Cradle Of Joy 5:39 Buy

    Cradle Of Joy

  3. 3 Thanks For Life 4:47 Buy

    Thanks For Life

  4. 4 Yeah Many 4:42 Buy

    Yeah Many

  5. 5 Thank the Lord 4:05 Buy

    Thank the Lord

  6. 6 Nativity 4:43 Buy

    Nativity

  7. 7 Days Come 4:09 Buy

    Days Come

  8. 8 Structa 4:18 Buy

    Structa

  9. 9 Ru Be 4:21 Buy

    Ru Be

  10. 10 Blackson Rays 4:32 Buy

    Blackson Rays

Akae Beka

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