Get ready for a night of redemption, spirituality and immortal rhythms. A double bill featuring Kingston’s sound architects: The Abyssinians and toasting pioneer Big Youth.
THE ABYSSINIANS + BIG YOUTH
Friday, 8 May 2026 – 21:30
sala Santana 27 – BILBAO
pre-sale: 25 € – Ticket box: 30 €
Tickets available now:
First 50 paper tickets: 20 € (Brixton Denda, Somera 24 Bilbao)
First 50 on-line tickets: 20 € – Buy tickects
The Abyssinians
Formed in 1968, this vocal trio is the spiritual heart of roots reggae. Considered by many to be the ‘national anthem’ of reggae and a fundamental prayer in Rastafarian culture. With their perfect harmonies and mystical lyrics in Amharic, classics such as ‘Declaration of Rights’ and ‘Forward Onto Zion’ will transport the audience directly to the roots of Jamaica.
They are the creators of ‘Satta Massagana’ (an Amharic term meaning ‘to give thanks’), considered by many to be the ‘national anthem’ of reggae and a fundamental prayer in Rastafarian culture.
With Bernard Collins and Donald Manning still at the helm, the group continues to spread its message of peace and unity throughout the world, keeping the essence of 1970s reggae alive with unwavering dignity.
Big Youth
Manley Augustus Buchanan, universally known as Big Youth, is a revolutionary figure who transformed the role of the DJ in Jamaican music.
In 1972, he burst onto the charts with hits such as ‘The Killer’ and ‘S-90 Skank,’ the latter dedicated to a Honda motorbike that was very popular at the time. Big Youth stood out not only for his vibrant lyrical delivery, but also for his iconic aesthetic: his dreadlocks and his teeth encrusted with red, green and gold jewellery. Unlike other deejays, Big Youth raised the lyrical level of the genre by integrating social commentary, Rastafarian philosophy and an attitude that even influenced the British punk movement (being admired by figures such as Johnny Rotten).