The Abyssinians, a roots harmony vocals trio formed in 1968 by Donald Manning, Bernard Collins, and Linford Manning, gained reggae acclaim with their 1969 release "Satta Massagana." This Rastafarian hymn, based on the Ethiopian Amharic language, became a reggae anthem, heard across Jamaica in radios, dancehalls, and churches. Hits like "Declaration of Rights" and albums such as "Forward On To Zion" (1976) marked their journey through the 1970s. The group separated in 1980, with Donald Manning performing internationally with his brother Carlton Manning and David Morrison. In 1989, the original members reunited, recording the album "$19.95 + TAX," later reissued as "REUNION" in 1998, now considered one of The Abyssinians' greatest albums.
In 2004, Donald Manning and Bernard Collins reunited for the first time in over a decade, touring Europe and the U.S. In 2005, they continued their West Coast tour, performing at various festivals. "Satta Massagana," often referred to as "reggae's national anthem," stands as a pivotal moment in reggae history, with its Amharic lyrics reflecting the Rastafarian influence on the group and the broader Pan-African identity movement in Kingston during the 1960s. The song's use of Amharic, the language of Ethiopia, became a symbol of the group's spiritual and cultural awareness.
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AGE RESTRICITON: 21+
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