The Abyssinians & Big Youth am 26.05.2026 in Berlin @ Lido

In the organizer's words:

The Abyssinians & Big Youth in Berlin @ Lido

Tue. 26.05.2026 Berlin / Lido

Admission: 7.30 pm / Start: 8.30 pm

The Abyssinians are considered one of the most important and spiritual roots reggae groups that Jamaica has ever produced. Formed in the late 1960s by Bernard Collins and Donald Manning, who were later joined by Linford Manning (Donald's brother), they defined the sound of "roots" with their unique harmonies, profound rasta themes and hypnotic melodies. Their first big hit was the song "Satta Massagana", which quickly became an unofficial reggae anthem and whose title comes from the Ethiopian Amharic language and means "give thanks and praise". Decades after their first recordings, concerts by the Abyssinians are still considered a rare opportunity to experience the true essence of roots reggae live.

Big Youth is one of the most influential and charismatic reggae artists to emerge from the Jamaican music scene of the 1970s. As a pioneer of "toasting" (chanting over dub versions), he was instrumental in paving the way for the development of modern dancehall and hip-hop. His album Dread Locks Dread (1975) is considered a milestone of roots reggae and toasting style. Together with producers such as Augustus Pablo and King Tubby, he created masterpieces that combined raw dub rhythms with his unmistakable, rhythmic spoken vocals.