Reggae in Berlin

The Abyssians + Big Youth
Dienstag, 26.05.2026 , 19:00h

Bild:

Lido

Schlesische Strasse
10199 Berlin
52.49924 13.44545

This Roots & Culture tour brings together two essential legends of Jamaican reggae: Big Youth and The Abyssinians.


An iconic figure of the golden age of roots reggae, Big Youth, born in 1949 in Kingston, is one of the pioneers of modern toasting. From the early 1970s, he established a groundbreaking style blending continuous flow, chanting and spoken word, deeply infused with the Rastafari message. A powerful voice for the social realities of Jamaica’s ghettos, he has had a lasting influence on generations of artists — from Bob Marley to contemporary DJs — and remains today a living legend of sound system culture.


Alongside him, The Abyssinians, one of the most mythical vocal trios in reggae history. Formed in 1968 by Bernard Collins, Donald Manning and Linford Manning, the group achieved worldwide recognition with Satta Massagana, now regarded as an absolute classic, followed by seminal tracks such as Yim Mas Gan and Declaration of Rights. Their discography — Satta Massagana, Forward, Arise and Reunion — embodies the very essence of spiritual and conscious roots reggae.


Touring together, Big Youth & The Abyssinians offer a unique journey into the heart of roots and cultural reggae, combining lyrical power, timeless vocal harmonies and a spiritual message that remains as relevant as ever.