Rastafarian singer Bugle has kicked off 2025 with a commanding performance at the highly publicised “INTIMATE” concert held on January 4th at Plantation Cove, St. Ann. Sharing the stage with reggae icons Buju Banton, Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, and other luminaries, Bugle emerged as one of the standout acts of the night. The “Rasta Party” singer delivered a fiery set that had the audience fully engaged, performing fan favourites such as “Nuh Compatible” to rapturous applause. The event marked Bugle’s first major performance of the year, following a banner 2024 that saw significant milestones in his career.
“This is the energy I wanted to bring into the new year,” Bugle shared after the performance. “To share the stage with such legendary artists and to feel the love from the audience was incredible.” Concertgoers echoed his sentiments, taking to social media to praise his dynamic set and the overall quality of the event.
Bugle’s momentum going into 2025 is built on the foundation of an exceptional 2024. The final quarter of the year was particularly fruitful, with Bugle delivering standout performances at the Welcome to Jamrock Cruise and the Grateful concert hosted by Agent Sasco at UWI Mona. However, his most notable achievement came with the chart-topping success of his single “Thank You Lord,” featuring reggae heavyweights Buju Banton and Damian “Jr Gong” Marley. The track, a standout from his fifth studio album Apex, not only dominated the Foundation Radio Network (New York) Reggae Chart but also became one of the most heavily rotated reggae songs in the diaspora.
“Thank You Lord” has resonated deeply with audiences, thanks in part to its visually striking music video, shot in Kingston by Maniac Visualz. As of January 7, 2025, the video has amassed an impressive 1.9 million views on YouTube, underscoring its widespread appeal. Bugle expressed gratitude for the song’s success, saying, “This is a blessing beyond words. To see the song and video connect with so many people is truly humbling.”
Apex, released in August via An9ted Entertainment, further solidified Bugle’s position as one of reggae’s most compelling voices. The 16-track album features collaborations with legends such as Barrington Levy, Capleton, and Maxi Priest, alongside Buju Banton and Damian Marley. It debuted at No. 2 on the iTunes U.K. Reggae Albums Chart and No. 11 in the U.S., earning critical acclaim for its blend of introspective themes and authentic reggae sound. Bugle’s ability to weave messages of love, faith, and social consciousness into his music has garnered him a loyal following and widespread respect within the industry.
