Watch Bugalu (2026) Official Trailer

Marvin “Bugalu” Smith is an American jazz drummer born in Englewood, New Jersey in 1948. Growing up around jazz music his whole life and studying with greats like Max Roach, Elvin Jones, Philly Joe Jones and Art Taylor lead him to a career and life in music playing with the Sun Ra Arkestra and Archie Shepp for years. This documentary highlights how a life prompted by musicality led Bugalu into trying to understand greater concepts by using the drumkit, reiki, buddhism, tai chi and illustration. Bugalu’s proficiency in these ideas has transformed him into a healing force of nature today.