Draped in royal blue and lit by the glow of hundreds of cellphone lights, Bugle made a triumphant return to Reggae Sumfest 2025, delivering a deeply moving performance that was equal parts spiritual and celebratory. Taking the stage at 11:45 pm on International Night (Night 2) after nearly a decade-long absence, the reggae firebrand closed his 30-minute set with the powerful ballad “Pearly Gates,” an emotional tribute to his late mother, Mrs. Zethilda Thompson, who passed away three years ago after a prolonged battle with cancer. The moment brought the massive crowd inside Catherine Hall to a hushed reverence and a sea of phone lights, as Bugle recounted watching her take her final breath at the University Hospital of the West Indies.
Speaking with members of the media after his set, Bugle explained his wardrobe choice—a blue and white suit with a matching blue turban—saying, “I wore blue because I felt Royal.” He also expressed some disappointment about the time constraints that limited his ability to perform several fan favourites. Still, he remained grateful for the moment. “The vibe and energy have changed for the better,” he shared, noting the evolution of the festival since his last appearance. Bugle also revealed his unique approach to vocal preparation: recording dubplates as a form of voice training, in addition to his regular running routine. “It may sound unorthodox, but it helps build my vocal stamina,” he added.
Though his set was truncated, Bugle made every minute count, reminding the audience of his lyrical prowess and spiritual grounding. His performance comes at a time when his career is hitting a new peak. Earlier this year, he earned a Best Reggae Album nomination at the 42nd International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) and is currently a four-time nominee at the 2025 Caribbean Music Awards, including nods for Song of the Year and Album of the Year. His buzzworthy single, “Pull Up,” a vibrant collaboration with Bishop Escobar, continues to generate viral buzz across TikTok and YouTube, enjoying heavy rotation across the African continent, particularly in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and South Africa.
Looking ahead, Bugle is gearing up to release new visuals from his acclaimed Apex album. A video for the Maxi Priest-assisted “Love Again” is on the horizon, along with another for a “Warm Inside” featuring Tifa. Both collaborations are expected to deepen his musical impact as he continues to bridge classic roots reggae with a contemporary edge.
With another Reggae Sumfest performance now solidly behind him, Bugle’s next major stop will be California’s Reggae On The River, one of the most iconic reggae festivals in the Western Hemisphere. From Montego Bay to Mendocino, Bugle’s royal resurgence is proof that timeless music—and heartfelt storytelling—will always rise.
