Donald Manning’s Enduring Legacy
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Black News 
Donald Manning’s Enduring Legacy
It has been a tough year for the Jamaican entertainment industry, with the deaths of many stalwarts. This makes it even more important for Donald Manning of The Abyssinians to ensure his legacy is secure.
The co-founder of that seminal group celebrated his 86th birthday on June 28 in Kingston, at an event attended by several reggae luminaries. The Abyssinians are best known for ‘Satta Masa Gana’, the 1971 song considered to be reggae’s official anthem.
His sons, Prince and Judea, organised the birthday party which was attended by Leroy Sibbles, who played bass on ‘Satta Masa Gana’; guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith; keyboardist Robbie Lyn, singer Kiddus I and bassist Daniel “Axeman” Thompson.
“Di Bible tell yuh about di spirit of God. When it come into you, put it out an’ dat’s what I do,” said Manning.
He is titular head of the current lineup, with Prince on drums and Judea playing bass. Prince’s sons, Jalon (keyboards) and Jelani (percussion) also tour with the group which is completed by lead singer Everton Pessoa, and harmony singers Nazzleman and Kevon Barnes.
“Yuh si people like Stranger (Cole) drop out, so wi haffi honour di elders. It’s very important wi show di elders like di old man respect,” said Judea.
Cole, whose hit songs include ‘Bangarang’ and ‘Just Like A River’, died on June 11. He was 85.
Guitarist Stephen “Cat” Coore of Third World, drummer Sly Dunbar, singer-songwriter Ernie Smith, Sheila Lee of Dynamic Sounds, guitarist Rupert Bent, singers Roland Burrell and Conrad Crystal also died in 2026.
The Abyssinians recently returned from a tour of Europe. They did shows in France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Spain.
Donald Manning, along with his younger brother Lynford and lead singer Bernard Collins, formed The Abyssinians in Jones Town, Kingston in 1968. Another brother, Carlton, led Carlton and The Shoes which had a big hit song that year with ‘Love Me Forever’ at Studio One.
‘Satta Masa Gana’ was actually recorded in 1969 at Studio One, with Sibbles playing bass and Fil Callender on drums. It was not released until two years later on The Abyssinans’ Clinch label.
Their tight harmonies made the song a sensation in dancehalls throughout Kingston. Countless artistes including Big Youth, Capleton and Sizzla have recorded songs on its hallowed rhythm.
The trio followed-up with songs such as ‘Declaration of Rights’, ‘Y Mas Gan’ and ‘Forward On To Zion’ which are part of roots-reggae lore.
Lynford Manning died in 2024 in Florida, while Collins, who lives in Kingston, has Parkinson’s disease.
The Abyssinians are scheduled to perform at the Vermont Reggae Fest in Burlington, Vermont on August 22.
(Photo contributed)
Satta Masa Gana
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