ANNOUNCING THE
AKAE BEKA VOCAL,
VERSION & WORD-SOUND
7” VINYL SERIES
After relentless requests from DJs, selectors, and sound systems for the 'dub versions' of Akae Beka's music,
we have answered the call!
Before Zero Records, in collaboration with I Grade Records, presents the 'Akae Beka Vocal, Version
& Word Sound Series'.
This series marks a turning point in the presence of Vaughn Benjamin, the voice of Akae Beka, and Midnite’s presence in the sound system world, merging vocal and version sound system culture with the deeply spiritual music and word sound of Akae Beka and Tippy I Grade.
We're releasing an exclusive range of 7-inch vinyls from the Akae Beka / I Grade catalogue, featuring I Grade dub versions on the flip side! But that's not all; we've also included the lyrics for each song on the rear of the sleeve. These 7s cut no corners — they have been cut fat and heavy by Lewis Hopkin at Star Delta Mastering, offering new sonic perspectives on these already timeless masterpieces.
To kick off the series we are releasing three tracks, taken from 2021’s album ‘Polarities’, produced by Zion I Kings with
Tippy I Grade at the helm, now available for the first time as
7” vinyl singles as of Friday 29th March.
BLACK CARBON - Akae Beka
feat. Chronixx
b/w BLACK CARBON DUB - Tippy I Grade
EVERYTHING BLESS - Akae Beka ft. Tiken Jah Fakoly
b/w EVERYTHING BLESS DUB - Tippy I Grade
SOW AND THE REAP - Akae Beka
b/w DUB AND THE REAP - Tippy I Grade
PRE-ORDER NOW
Official release date: Friday 29th March 2024
Unmatched in lyrical output, depth, and density, Akae Beka’s works represent an encyclopaedic body of wisdom, knowledge, and overstanding. For the devout listener and the curious alike, the density of the lyrics offers endless layers of discovery and interpretation. Toenhance this, each 7” vinyl sleeve has the lyrics transcribed and printed. This series represents more than a collection of music; it is a multifaceted, intellectual and spiritual revelation encapsulated in melody, tone and beat. The never before released dub versions complement each vocal mix with grace and innovation, creating the perfect settings for reflection and integration of the lyrics.
LISBON & PARIS
LAUNCH PARTIES
We’ve teamed up with our extended family Simply Rockers and Neboty Roots to bring you three exclusive launch parties in Lisbon and Paris to celebrate this milestone in Before ZeroRecords’ output.
 TIPPY I GRADE
SIMPLY ROCKERS
28th March 2024 (23h-6h)
Village Underground Lisboa, Av. da Índia 52, 1300-299 Lisboa
Pre-Session Special:
"ART OF LIVE DUB TECHNICS” Workshop
Guided by Tippy I Grade & Kibir La Amlak
18h - 20h30
Tickets: 12€ / 16€
 "An Akae Beka Vocal Version Dub Excursion: Word Reversing Music and Reasoning. Seminar, Launch Party and Listening Party
With Tippy I Grade & Kibir La Amlak
30th March 2024 (17h-20h)
Jazz Messengers
LXFactory 1st Floor Livraria Ler Devagar
Exclusive vinyl and merch for sale at the event
 Featuring a special Akae Beka live dub excursion with TIPPY I GRADE
Plus support from KIBIR LA AMLAK & NEBOTY ROOTS on the heavyweight Neboty Roots Sound System
31st March 2024 (22h-6h)
Péniche Cinéma, Parc de La Villette, Paris, France
Tickets: 10€ /13€
Black Carbon feat. Chronixx:
Vaughn Benjamin and Chronixx intertwine their delicate voices and profound thoughts in 'Black Carbon,' a contemplative pie
ce that reflects on our common origin and critiques societal divisions. Accompanied by a rich musical tapestry, the track is
a meditation on unity, enriched by Tippy I Grade’s dub version that elevates its intricate instrumentation.
Everything Bless feat. Tiken Jah Fakoly:
A soulful collaboration between Akae Beka and Tiken Jah Fakoly, 'Everything Bless' is an anthem of acceptance, inner peace, and spiritual kinship. Zion I Kings' production provides a serene backdrop for Benjamin's meditative lyrics and Tiken's Bambara affirmations, with the dub version cultivating a stripped-down, yet joyful resonance.
 Sow And The Reap:
In 'Sow And The Reap,' Vaughn Benjamin delivers piercing insights with his final recording for I Grade Records. The track weaves pressing themes of governance and justice with nature-inspired metaphors, all set to an inexorable reggae beat with Romain “Teflon Zincfence” Arnett’s programmed drums and Drew Keys’ poignant trombone and synth, complemented by a haunting dub version.
PRE-ORDER NOW
We also have the following titles in stock and available to order:
Plus many more...
BEST FOOT FORWARD
Dub Judah / Kibir La Amlak
 Thats all for now. We really apprecilove having you on our mailing list, social media is a useful tool, but we love to communicate directly with our core family. From the Before Zero Records team, we would like to: GIVE THANKS
Before Zero LTD, 160 City Road, London, England, EC1V 2NX,
Zero Records hello@beforezerorecords.com
www.beforezerorecords.com
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