The Abyssinians & Dillinger

There's no doubt that over the years The Abyssinians have set the standard for vocal harmonies and roots consciousness in reggae music.

Their strong, prayerful voices touch reggae lovers hearts, heads and souls alike but what was noticeable was that unlike Bob Marley and the Wailers there was never any rigid hierarchy or lead vocalist spot, each member has his talents and they frequently share song writing tasks.

The roots harmony vocals trio was formed in 1968 by founding members Donald Manning, Bernard Collins and Linford Manning. It was in 1969 with their release "Satta Massagana" recorded on Coxson Dodd's Studio One label—a Rastafarian hymn based on the Ethiopian Amharic language that launched them into the ranks of Reggae music greats. 'Satta Massagana' became one of reggae's most popular songs. What followed were a string of hits of which included 'Declaration of Rights' 'Yi Mas Gan' and 'Let My Days Be Long'.

Early albums were a collection of singles recorded throughout the 1970's on their own label—Clinch, of which included 'Forward On To Zion' (1976) and 'ARISE' (1978).

The Abyssinians' first full album was recorded in 1976 and is regarded as one of the greatest in the history of Jamaican music. The sessions were supervised by Clive Hunt and resulted in the album known both as Forward Onto Zion and Satta Massagana. Every track exudes the spiritual essence of the Abyssinians.

At this gig they are joined by a DJ as famous as his gangster namesake; Dillinger was one of the second wave of Jamaican toasters who sprung up in the wake of the success of U-Roy, Big Youth, and Dennis Alcapone. By the mid-'70s, the young Dillinger had rapped his way to the top of the pack and won international acclaim. Renowned for his quick wit, irreverent raps, and whacked sense of humor, the DJ remains one of the most innovative and humorous toasters of any era.