BEFORE ZERO RECORDS presents...
Two lyrical and spiritual forces meet, as Akae Beka and Ivorian veteran Tiken Jah Fakoly awaken the profound realisation that all is inherently blessed, encouraging us to accept life as it unfolds. Produced by Zion I Kings, Everything Bless is a gentle yet powerful reminder to embrace the present moment, cherish the divine connection with our spiritual kin, and nurture inner peace and contentment. Vaughn Benjamin meditates on the need for both determination and trust, while the ancient voiced Tiken sings in Bambara, over Mamadou Sidiki Diabate’s cascading Kora, reassuring that Jah will guide. The accompanying dub version pares down drums and vocals, maintaining the same sense of joy. Taken from 2021’s album Polarities, Everything Bless is released as a seven inch vinyl single for the first time on via Before Zero Records.
This series honours both the vocal and version culture of the reggae sound system and the profound lyricism of Vaughn Benjamin. We have consistently received two requests in relation to releasing the LPs: "Can we have dub versions?" and "Where can we read the lyrics?" Our response is the 'Akae Beka - vocal, version and word-sound collection.' Before Zero Records worked with Tippy I Grade to mix a series of dub mixes from a carefully curated selection of his extensive works with Vaughn Benjamin. The vocal and corresponding dub mixes were then cut to wax by Lewis Hopkin of Star Delta and wrapped in a collage made of Ras Marcus's artworks, which he crafted for various LP covers of Vaughn's works throughout the years with the lyrics transcribed and printed on the rear of each sleeve.
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Everything Bless - Akae Beka feat. Tiken Jah Fakoly
(V. Benjamin, M. Doumbia, L. Alfred, A. Bain, D. Goldfine, A. Stoch, L. Richards)
Produced by: Zion I Kings
Drums & Percussion: Lloyd “Junior” Richards
Bass & Percussion: David “JAH David” Goldfine
Organ, Guitar: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred
Piano, Synths: Andrew “Drew Keys” Stoch | R. Guitar: Andrew “Moon” Bain
L. Guitar: Steven Katz
Kora: Mamadou Sidiki Diabate
Background Vocals: Fiona Robinson
Published by: Schethlya Publishing (BMI), Sotigui Editions et Production (SALEM), I Grade Music (ASCAP), Galactic Soul Music (BMI), Haile Tabernacle Music (BMI), Haze Street Publishing (BMI), Mike & Matt Music (ASCAP)
Mixed and Mastered by: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred at Holy Mountain Studio, St. Croix, VI
Cut by Lewis @ Star Delta Mastering, UK
Original artwork by: Marcus Wilson, Collage and Graphic Layout by: Before Zero Records
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