Though they are writers and performers of reggae’s unofficial anthem (Satta Masa Gana), The Abyssinians have never earned the acclaim of other roots acts like Culture, the Wailing Souls or Mighty Diamonds.

Outstanding tracks like ‘Satta’, Declaration of Rights and Forward Onto Zion have made them a solid live draw in Europe. The group, which is headed by original lead singer Bernard Collins, kicked off its latest tour of that continent last evening with a show at The Cluny in Newcastle Upon Tyne, north England.

They are scheduled to play nine dates in the United Kingdom, with stops in major cities such as Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol in England; Glasgow, Scotland and Cardiff, Wales.

The Bristol City Amphitheatre is the last stop on their UK leg on May 24.

On June 1, The Abyssinians move over to France for another nine shows, starting at Le Forum in Vaureal. Their French visit closes June 25 at Le Plan in the Paris suburb of Ris Orangis.

Collins formed The Abyssinians in the late 1960s along with the Manning brothers, Carlton and Donald. They lived in Trench Town and were immersed in the Rastafarian faith.

Their religious focus inspired songs like Satta Masa Gana which was recorded at Studio One in 1969. The song did not have any impact until two years later when it was released on their Clinch label.

The Mannings and Collins parted due to differences in the 1980s, and at one stage, led different versions of the group.

Collins has led The Abyssinians on consistent tours of Europe and the United States west coast in the last decade.