Veteran reggae singer Bushman says his limited performances in Jamaica are not by chance, but the result of what he describes as long-standing gatekeeping within the local entertainment industry.

In a recent interview, the roots reggae artiste spoke candidly about being sidelined at home, explaining that his outspoken personality has often worked against him in an industry driven by politics and perception.

“Gatekeeping real, and you see just because I’m a no-nonsense youth, me rebellious, and that is the red flag on my name,” Bushman said. “Dem claim say me hard fi deal wid and so on, and that’s why unnu nah see me more. And it’s just because me stand up for what me believe in and what I know I deserve.”

According to the singer, being vocal has earned him an unfair reputation, but he remains unapologetic about standing his ground.

“Yuh haffi have self-confidence and know your worth in this life, or you lose before you even start,” he asserted, making it clear that, despite the obstacles, he refuses to be silenced or stopped by industry forces.

True to that mindset, the artiste told the Jamaica Observer that his work continues behind the scenes, assuring fans that new music is on the way.

“I did a track with Etana that’s soon to be released, that’s speaking about social media and the evil breeding in that space. It will be a real song, me being outspoken as usual. It’s apostolic, and I think the gatekeepers are gonna be even more scared,” he said boldly. “A lot of people listen when Bushman talk so just prepare for that one.”

Beyond current battles, Bushman says his focus has shifted increasingly toward legacy — a subject he speaks about with urgency and reflection.

“One of the worst things for me is to walk off this earth with my legacy in my pocket,” he shared. “It is important to leave something behind when you go.”

That desire to leave a lasting imprint has taken on deeper meaning with his son now following a musical path. Bushman shared that his son, Jaba Khalid, is currently enrolled in music school in England, a development that brings him pride and hope.

“Mi glad fi see my son doing music. Time is the master, and so most definitely my legacy in the making.”

Reflecting on the foundations of reggae music, Bushman also paid tribute to the icons who paved the way for today’s artistes, singling out Bob Marley and other legends for creating a cultural road map that continues to guide generations.

“It’s like when you see a track, and you know multiple people have to walk that track to make the road for you,” he explained. “Bob dem make that track, that pathway. Jacob Miller, Bunny Wailer, Toots Hibbert — just to name a few — they made that track so we could walk into our future.”

He stressed that the responsibility now lies with today’s artistes to honour that groundwork and preserve reggae’s integrity.

“We now haffi continue to uphold that greatness. They gave us a platform to express ourselves freely, and that is what we must do with this music.”