The Abyssinians Satta Massagana

The song I’m bringing you today is a drastic change from the hip-hop I have been posting on this blog. This is a video taken from a documentary made in 1977, named 'Beats of the Heart: Roots Rock Reggae’. The documentary ‘depicts an unforgettable moment in Jamaica's history when music defined the island's struggles and immortalized its heroes.’ (Imdb)

The name of the song is Satta Massagana by the Abyssinians. The documentary fell adds to this video as it shows the Abyssinians in Jamaica playing inside a shack with just their instruments, voices, and of course the camera man.

It is interesting to see after watching this documentary that music helped people cope with their already difficult lives. Areas in and around Jamaica are impoverished and songs like this helped individuals cope and find God. The power of lyrics accompanied by instruments is demonstrated by the fact that most of these songs were used in churches to inspire those that were present.

Look into the book of life and you will see that there’s a land far, far away/
Look into the book and you will see that he-he-he rules us all/

In this song God is the central theme. They talk about a land far away where there is no light only day. It is easy to see that a song like this could inspire its listeners. The music of the Abyssininas and other musicians become a real force in the Jamaican society. This example shows that music isn’t simply just form listening pleasure, it also gives people strength to carry on with their lives despite the trials and tribulations that they may come across.