The Bern-based reggae band Lauwarm has officially disbanded, three years after a concert cancellation ignited a nationwide debate on cultural appropriation. The group cited ongoing prejudice and a significant decline in performance opportunities as key factors in their decision.
Frontman Dominik Plumettaz has now launched a solo project, aiming to shift the public focus back to his music and away from the controversy that has defined the band's recent years.
Key Takeaways
- The Bern reggae band Lauwarm has officially ceased activities.
- The decision follows years of professional challenges stemming from a 2022 concert cancellation over cultural appropriation concerns.
- The band experienced fewer bookings as promoters reportedly sought to avoid controversy.
- Frontman Dominik Plumettaz is starting a new solo career under the name "Do Maré".
The 2022 Incident at Brasserie Lorraine
The challenges for Lauwarm began in July 2022. A concert at the Brasserie Lorraine, a cultural venue in Bern, was abruptly stopped mid-performance. The venue stated that several audience members expressed discomfort with white musicians wearing dreadlocks, a hairstyle they associated with Black culture.
This local event quickly escalated into a national conversation. News outlets across Switzerland covered the story, sparking widespread discussion about the definition, impact, and boundaries of cultural appropriation in the arts.
Understanding Cultural Appropriation
Cultural appropriation is the adoption of an element or elements of one culture or identity by members of another culture or identity. This can be controversial when members of a dominant culture appropriate from disadvantaged minority cultures, particularly without acknowledgment or respect for the original cultural context.
Professional Fallout and Industry Reaction
Following the incident, Lauwarm found themselves in a difficult professional position. According to the band, the cultural scene began to distance itself from them. Performance bookings became increasingly scarce as event organizers appeared hesitant to associate with the controversy.
Frontman Dominik Plumettaz described the experience as being unfairly categorized. "We got a stamp put on us – as white, privileged men who appropriate foreign cultures," he stated in a recent interview. Plumettaz has previously mentioned his own Black and indigenous-Brazilian heritage, a detail often overlooked in the public debate.
"I want people to talk about music again, not about appearances."
The band felt trapped between opposing political viewpoints. While some progressive groups criticized them as a clear example of cultural appropriation, some right-leaning political factions used the case to argue against what they termed "woke culture."
A Controversial Performance Choice
In the midst of the debate, Lauwarm accepted an invitation to perform at the festival of the right-leaning weekly magazine Weltwoche. This decision drew further criticism and complicated the band's public image. Plumettaz now reflects on that performance as a "misstep," acknowledging the political implications of the association.
Timeline of Events
- July 2022: Lauwarm's concert at Brasserie Lorraine in Bern is stopped due to complaints about cultural appropriation.
- Late 2022: The incident becomes a subject of national media attention and public debate in Switzerland.
- 2023-2024: The band reports a significant decrease in bookings and a feeling of alienation from the cultural scene.
- October 2025: Lauwarm officially announces its dissolution.
A New Beginning for the Frontman
With the end of Lauwarm, Dominik Plumettaz is forging a new path. He has adopted the artist name Do Maré for his solo work. This move represents a deliberate effort to start fresh and leave the baggage of the past three years behind.
His goal is to re-center the conversation on his artistic output. He hopes that under a new name, his music will be judged on its own merit, free from the labels and prejudices that came to define Lauwarm.
Plumettaz has already released his first single as Do Maré, a track titled "Angst" (German for "Fear"). The release marks the first official step in his new musical journey, one he hopes will be defined by creativity rather than controversy.