At the recent launch of his fifth studio album, Apex, held at ‘Di Lot‘ in Kingston, Rastafarian crooner Bugle took the opportunity to reflect on his career and address a conspicuous absence that has puzzled many – his exclusion from several of Jamaica’s premier music festivals in recent years. Bugle, a respected figure in Reggae since the early 2000s, voiced his frustrations, noting that despite his consistent presence in the diaspora, he has been noticeably omitted from the lineups of several high-profile Jamaican festivals such as Reggae Sumfest and Rebel Salute.
“Reggae Sumfest and Rebel Salute nuh book mi fi years now because they don’t think I am qualified enough to be on their show,” Bugle remarked to the sizeable gathering. His comments were met with murmurs of agreement from the crowd. With poise, he continued, “Mi nuh have nuh problem with you not booking me because I woulda neva beg no promoter fi book me.” The singer then launched into his hit ‘What Have I Done to You,’ which garnered one of the night’s biggest forwards, cementing his connection with the audience and reaffirming his relevance to his fans.
Among those in attendance was outspoken dancehall legend Bounty Killer, who echoed Bugle’s sentiments, calling out the industry’s lack of support for Reggae, especially at social events. “Reggae a get relegated to warm-up music when it fi deh inna premium rotation,” Bounty asserted, challenging the audience and the music fraternity to reconsider the genre’s placement in Jamaica’s entertainment landscape. The outspoken artist expressed his desire to see Reggae regain its rightful place as a headlining genre, especially in the country where it was born.
Bugle’s Apex, which debuted at No. 2 on the iTunes U.K. Reggae Album chart and No. 11 in the U.S., is evidence of his enduring artistry and ability to collaborate with both seasoned and emerging talents. Featuring heavyweights and rising stars like Buju Banton, Barrington Levy, Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, Capleton, Maxi Priest, Tifa, Chaps, and GiHRL, among others, the 16-track set distributed by Evidence Music is a bold declaration that Bugle remains a force to be reckoned with, whether or not local promoters are taking notice.
