finetune artist: The Abyssinians

Formed in 1968 in Jamaica, the Abyssinians comprised lead singer Bernard Collins (b. 10 November 1948), along with the brothers Lynford and Donald Manning, who had both previously been members of their brother Carlton's group, Carlton And His Shoes. The latter's 1968 recording, "Happy Land', strongly influenced the Abyssinians" first record, "Satta Massa Gana", a Rastafarian hymn sung partly in the ancient Ethiopian Amharic language, and recorded at Coxsone Dodd's Studio One in March 1969. "Satta Massa Gana", which has been covered by dozens of artists, is a classic reggae roots song, its plangent, understated rhythm and the group's cool harmonies providing the template for the roots music that dominated the following decade. Dodd apparently saw little potential in the song at the time, however, and "parked' it. Eventually the group saved enough money to buy the tape and release it on their own Clinch label in 1971, and the song became a huge Jamaican hit. In the wake of the song's success, Dodd released his own DJ and instrumental versions. The Abyssinians" second hit record, "Declaration Of Rights", which featured Leroy Sibbles on backing vocals, is similarly notable for its militant lyrics, close harmony vocals and hard, rootsy rhythms.

Listen to The Abyssinians at Finetune.

Blowin' In The Wind
Yim Mas Gan