Bugle Returns to the Reggae Sumfest Stage After 10-Year Hiatus — Next Stop: California’s Reggae on the River

This weekend, reggae firebrand Bugle makes his highly anticipated return to the Reggae Sumfest stage for the first time in almost 10 years. His performance, set for International Night (July 19th), marks a significant moment not only for the artist but also for fans who have followed his steadfast journey in music. The return comes on the heels of a string of milestones earlier this year, including a standout set at INTIMATE, where he shared the stage with reggae icons Buju Banton and Beres Hammond. Widely regarded as one of the biggest annual concerts in North Central Jamaica, INTIMATE served as a powerful reminder of Bugle’s staying power in a genre constantly evolving.

“Going back to Sumfest after 10 years is not just an accomplishment but doing International Night is a big deal,” Bugle told Prism Marketing Consultants. “It’s something I’m looking forward to being on that stage with some of my favourite artistes—I’m a fan of all the artistes on that night—so it’s a joy to be playing on stage with them all.” His humility and excitement are matched only by his momentum, which has been steadily building both locally and internationally.

Earlier this year, Bugle earned a nomination for Best Reggae Album at the 42nd International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), and he is currently in contention for four major categories at the upcoming Caribbean Music Awards 2025, including Song of the Year and Album of the Year. But it’s his most recent single, “Pull Up,” a pulsating collaboration with disc-jock-turned-artiste Bishop Escobar, that has lit up dancefloors from Kingston to Kenya. The track, produced by Kevon Blue Sky of Blue Sky Productions, has sparked viral buzz on TikTok and YouTube and gained heavy rotation in Africa, especially in South Africa, Malawi, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.

Following his Reggae Sumfest appearance, Bugle will shift his focus to the legendary Reggae on the River festival in California. Slated for August 1-3 in Humboldt County, the event is a cultural staple, celebrating the synergy between Jamaican reggae and California’s cannabis lifestyle. Bugle will be joined by reggae stalwarts Keznamdi and Julian Marley as they lead the 2025 edition, promising an electrifying blend of heritage and new-wave talent. With this transcontinental momentum, Bugle’s presence on the global reggae scene is not only undeniable—it’s unstoppable.