Fireside Chat

Abyssinians

Heartbeat, Jamaica

Few groups better captured the heart and soul of roots reggae than the Abyssinians; the vocal trio's heavenly close harmonies, dark melodies, and Rastafarian themes - all delivered with a deep spiritual feeling - were instrumental in defining and refining the genre. The trio was formed in 1968 by Donald Manning, Bernard Collins and Linford Manning. It their 1969 release 'Satta Massagana', a Rastafarian hymn based on the Ethiopian Amharic language recorded on Coxson Dodd's Studio One label, that launched them into the ranks of reggae music greats. 'Satta Massagana' was an instant classic: an anthem that was heard on the radios, in the dancehalls and in the churches of Jamaica. It was also covered by many other International artists' including Third World. They followed it with a string of hits (including 'Declaration of Rights' and 'Let My Days Be Long') before they disbanded in 1980. However they returned in the '90's and have continued to release new material (including 1998's 'Reunion'). The sound of the Abyssinians has resounded through the hearts of many a Rastafarian devotee and it could through yours too, in this, their Fireside Chat.