The Abyssinians

Formed in 1968, The Abyssinians are a roots reggae group that recorded and released their first single, Satta Massagana, in a session at Sir Coxsone Dodd's Studio One in early 1969. The group consists of Bernard Collins, together with the brothers Linford and Donald Manning. The Abyssininans are famous for their spiritual lyrics sung in gospel-like harmonies, often in Amharic, the language of Ethiopia. The use of Amharic is a result of Donald Manning’s Rastafarian influence on the group. Amharic was widely studied across Jamaica in the 60's, namely because of the Rastafarian and Afro-centric awareness sweeping the island after Haile Selassie’s visit in 1966.



The Abyssinians released other spiritual hits in the early 70's, including Declaration Of Rights, Y Mas Gan, and African Race. It would not be until 1976 before they actually released their first full album, Forward Unto Zion. Unfortunately, tensions grew in the band during the recording of the ultimately disappointing Arise (1978), and Linford Manning left the band in 1980. Today, group co-founder Donald Manning performs internationally under the name Abyssinians, with his brother Carlton Manning and singer David Morrison.

Discography

* Satta Massagana (1976)
* Arise (1978)
* Forward (1982)
* Declaration of Dub (1998)
* Reunion (1998)
* Satta Dub (1998)
* Forward to Zion (2001)
* Tree of Satta (2003)