BERN, SWITZERLAND — The Swiss reggae group Lauwarm has officially disbanded, marking the end of a years-long controversy that began after the band faced public backlash for performing reggae music as white musicians.
The group first made national headlines in July 2022, when their concert at Bern’s Brasserie Lorraine was abruptly stopped after audience members expressed discomfort over the band’s dreadlocked appearance and choice to perform reggae. Critics accused Lauwarm of cultural appropriation, arguing that their music and image misrepresented Jamaican culture.
The venue canceled the show mid-performance and later issued an apology to patrons who felt offended, acknowledging that the matter was “emotionally charged.” While emphasizing that “white people are not automatically racists,” the venue admitted it mishandled the situation.
Band leader Dominik Plumettaz said Lauwarm had performed for over a year without incident and was surprised by the backlash. He expressed regret that critics never came forward to discuss their concerns, adding that the band’s music was rooted in respect and cultural exchange.
The controversy sparked a nationwide debate in Switzerland about cultural appropriation in music and fashion. Scholars and media outlets drew comparisons to historical cases — from Elvis Presley profiting off Black artists’ work to debates surrounding white performers such as Eminem and UB40 in Black genres.
Henri-Michel Yéré, a social scientist at the University of Basel, noted that while white artists performing reggae or wearing dreadlocks can sometimes express solidarity, such acts must also acknowledge the power dynamics and historical context behind the cultures they draw from.
The incident ignited a wider cultural and political clash in Switzerland — with some defending Lauwarm’s artistic freedom and others viewing their performance as an example of colonial privilege in music. The debate split public opinion, with left-wing groups condemning the band and far-right commentators accusing the backlash of “reverse racism.”
Although an initial court ruling found the venue guilty of discrimination for halting the show, that decision was overturned on appeal in February 2025, clearing Brasserie Lorraine of wrongdoing.
Frontman Plumettaz, who has Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous roots, told SonntagsBlick that the controversy left the group “deeply scarred,” adding that he was unfairly labeled as “a white, privileged man who appropriates foreign cultures.”
Following years of backlash and dwindling bookings, Lauwarm officially disbanded. Plumettaz has since rebranded himself under the stage name Do Maré, saying he hopes to “start over” and “shake off the prejudices” as he continues to pursue solo projects.
