The evolution of Barbados’s reggae music would not be complete without the musical contributions of Reggae Artist of the Year 2016, Buggy Nhakente, the lead singer of Buggy Nhakente and Fully Loaded Band.
Buggy, whose road to success is clearly defined through the consciousness of his lyrics, demonstrates the true meaning behind his name Nhakente, “The spirit of the people expressed through music.”
In his career, Buggy has connected with the spirit of the people in Canada, the UK, and over 50 cities in the US and has shared the stage with megastars like Ja Rule, Ashanti, Sean Paul, Tony Rebel, Sizzla, Beres Hammond, Shaggy, Jah Cure, Queen Ifrica, Buju Banton, Anthony B and many more.
Buggy Nhakente and his band Fully Loaded will perform beachside at The St. Regis Doha every Thursday and Friday, starting from February 18, 2016.
Buggy Nhakente has the distinction of being the first Barbadian artiste to perform at Jamaica’s premier conscious reggae show, Rebel Salute in 2009.
In April 2011, Nhakente completed a short tour in Liverpool, England which included a scintillating performance, where he gained another distinction of being the first reggae artist to have ever performed at the Paul McCartney Auditorium.
His latest first occurred with his inspiring November performance in Denmark for the Remembrance of Danish Reggae Artist, Natasha.
His ever evolving talent has seen him — along with his band members Elvis Edwards, Jamal Browne, Daniel Medford,Tabitha Johnson and Rhesa Garnes (Fully Loaded) — as an exciting addition to any major concert in Barbados, resulting in him being a popular feature on Barbados’ premier Reggae events Reggae on the Hill and Hennessy Artistry.
Reggae Artist of the Year is not an unfamiliar title to Buggy — he has earned this title as well as “Best Reggae Single” in 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and has also collected “Video of the Year” award in 2009.
With phenomenal collaborations with Sizzla and the successful release of his debut solo album “Nhakente” featuring the hit single I See Dem, he has been riding high on the wings of his January 2011 released single, Just A Man, which was produced by Penthouse Records and became an instant hit.
Nhakente released his second album titled “Just A Man”, which also featured work with Grammy Award-winning Steel Pulse producer Jimmy Haynes. The album also birthed Buggy’s hits Love Remains the Same by the Hawaiian label Rumble Rock Recordz and Best Friend produced by KB Sharp for Hit Island Records.
Born Ryan Chase, his initial introduction to music came at age 7, when his uncle gave him a mini radio and microphone. With that musical seed planted, his admiration of music, in particular reggae and dancehall grew and flourished.
Clearly gifted musically, Buggy was encouraged to develop and pursue a career as an entertainer. In 1990 the journey began and Buggy has not looked back since. A humble, focused and talented individual, there’s no doubt that this young songwriter/vocalist, who is a blend of rich Caribbean roots and artistic talent, is attracting great opportunities that have him destined for even greater musical successes.
A humble, focused and talented individual, there’s no doubt that this young songwriter/vocalist, who is a blend of rich Caribbean roots and artistic talent, is attracting great opportunities that have him destined for greater musical success.
Fully loaded with universal lyrics, energy and charisma, plus an ability to musically connect with people of all walks of life, this artiste is on his way to fulfilling his goal of spreading love in all forms to the world through his music.