Monique Hepburn, Entertainment Editor

Reggae group, The Abyssinians are expected to deliver a spiritual awakening to patrons at the Tru Juice Rebel Salute at the Port Kaiser Sports Complex in St. Elizabeth tomorrow. - File

Foundation roots reggae group, The Abyssianians are expecting to deliver a spiritual awakening to patrons at Tru Juice Rebel Salute at the Port Kaiser Sports Complex in St. Elizabeth tomorrow.

Abyssinians's co-founder, Donald Manning told The Gleaner that roots reggae maintains consistent appeal around the world and that they will be taking that energy along with their spiritual connection to Jamaica onto the stage.

"Dania Igziabiher Yimmasgan (for Good God, May he be praised)," said Manning in Amharic, one of Ethiopia's 84 official languages. "We cannot speak against certain manifestations of the culture that we see now. However, we say that more needs to be done to promote events like Rebel Salute that promote positive living."

Amharic recordings

The Abyssinians is the first group in Jamaica to record in Amharic. Their first song, Satta Massagana (give thanks) was recorded in 1969 and was a result of Manning's Rastafarian influence on the group.

The study of Amharic in Kingston in the '60s was a function of the post-colonial, Pan-African identity and Rastafarian awareness sweeping the ghetto after Haile Selassie's 1966 visit to the island.

"At Rebel Salute, we will do what we always do. We will keep it clean. It will be a spiritual awakening from the Abyssianians," said group member David Morrison.

"Patrons are guaranteed upliftment," he added.

Bernard Collins, co-founder, said their popularity and that of their numerous songs continue to grow as time progresses.

Attributing their early recordings as 'ahead of their time', Collins said that the song Satta, as it is popularly called, remains relevant today.

Tremendous following

Tony Rebel - File

"We can see by the fact that so many other artistes have recorded the song after we did. It is a creeper, still growing in popularity."

Reggae artiste and promoter, Tony Rebel, told The Gleaner that he saw the Abyssinians perform recently on a show in Europe and was awed not only by their message, but also their tremendous following.

"I was totally overwhelmed. I saw thousands of young people between the ages of 18-25 singing their songs word for word. I said to myself, Why is Jamaica not benefiting from this wonderful entertainment and spiritual product?"

"They have not been here to perform on a major show since 1978, and patrons will get their heart's desire, a feast on education, entertainment and spirituality."