Swiss Reggae Band Lauwarm Disbands Amidst Cultural Appropriation Row

The band's decision to embrace reggae culture sparked a racism row that ultimately led to their disbandment. Singer Dominik Plumettaz, who has Afro-Brazilian and indigenous origins, faced hostility from both sides.

, and Administrator

2025 October 14 . 5:01 AM

1 min read

In this picture we can see live musical performance of the group on the stage, In front a woman... — In this picture we can see live musical performance of the group on the stage, In front a woman wearing black jacket standing and singing in the microphone. Behind a man wearing black strap on the head and sunglasses is sitting and playing the band. Behind we can see the poster on which la guns are written and on the top disco lights and hanging lights are seen.

Swiss Reggae Band Lauwarm Disbands Amidst Cultural Appropriation Row

Swiss reggae band Lauwarm has disbanded following a long-standing controversy over cultural appropriation. The group's white musicians faced criticism for performing reggae with dreadlocked hairstyles, leading to concert cancellations and a racism row that ultimately split the band.

The band's concert at the Brasserie Lorraine in Bern in 2022 was interrupted due to audience discomfort. The incident sparked a debate on cultural appropriation, with the band being labeled as 'white, privileged men who appropriate foreign cultures'.

The controversy led several concert organizers to distance themselves from Lauwarm, making it difficult for the band to perform. The group 'Antirassismus Schweiz' even dissolved in the summer of 2022 due to the dispute, as reported by the SonntagsBlick magazine.

Singer Dominik Plumettaz, who has Afro-Brazilian and indigenous origins, faced hostility from both the left and the right during the controversy. Despite his personal background, he was not spared from the backlash. An initial conviction related to the incident was overturned, and the case ended with an acquittal in February 2023.

In the wake of the controversy, Dominik Plumettaz has decided to pursue solo projects under the stage name Do Maré, aiming to start over and shake off the prejudices associated with the band. Lauwarm's disbandment marks the end of a difficult period for the group, which struggled to overcome the cultural appropriation allegations.