California’s iconic Reggae on the River festival is set to make waves once again, with reggae stalwarts Bugle, Keznamdi, and Julian Marley leading the charge for the 2025 edition. Slated for August 1-3 in Humboldt County, the festival—renowned for its fusion of Jamaican reggae and Northern California’s cannabis culture—promises an electrifying lineup featuring a blend of legendary acts and rising stars. The announcement follows a momentous year for Bugle and Keznamdi, both of whom have been making significant strides in the global reggae scene.
Bugle, whose latest album Apex earned a nomination for Best Album/CD at the 42nd International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), continues to solidify his status as a leading voice in reggae. The 16-track project, which features collaborations with Buju Banton, Damian Marley, and Barrington Levy, has been lauded for its introspective lyricism and authentic roots sound. His hit single Thank You Lord, a powerful collaboration with Buju Banton and Damian Marley, has resonated deeply with fans, amassing over 3.3 million views on YouTube. Reflecting on his recent success, Bugle shared, “Music is my way of sharing messages that uplift and inspire, and to see this project being embraced is truly humbling.”
Keznamdi, on the other hand, is riding the momentum of his upcoming sophomore album, Blood and Fyah, set for release in late spring. His track Pressure has been making waves on the Digital Radio Tracker (DRT) charts, peaking at No. 1 on the Global Top 150 Independent Airplay Chart and securing a spot in the Global Top 200 Airplay Chart at No. 96. The reggae singer is also tapping into his African roots, with the video for Pressure, shot in Ghana, surpassing 293,000 views on YouTube. Keznamdi, who has lived in Tanzania and Ethiopia, emphasized his commitment to expanding reggae’s presence in Africa, stating, “Reggae is huge for the next generation in Africa. We spend so much time touring in America and Europe, but truly, Africa is where the music is really made for.”
Joining them on the Reggae on the River stage is Julian Marley, fresh off his Grammy-winning album release in 2024. Other confirmed acts include reggae veterans Third World, dancehall group T.O.K, Charly Black, Luciano, Romain Virgo and international stars like Afro B and Queen Omega. With a star-studded lineup and an undeniable buzz, the 2025 edition of Reggae on the River is shaping up to be a landmark celebration of reggae’s rich legacy and evolving global influence.
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