Well Known DJs Are Changing Their Stage Names

News & Features

Two big names in dance music have changed their DJ names due to racial insensitivity.

A woman wearing headphones and glasses is playing a dj set.

"...even when I put Dave Lee on the mix name credits, the record label would change it to Joey Negro – and in fairness to them this was the name the general public was familiar with."

Household names in dance music, Joey Negro and The Black Madonna have changed their DJ names recently. There has been mounting pressure on public figures to be racially aware in light of the Black Lives Matter movement. 

Dave Lee has been using his Joey Negro alias since the 90s and he says despite his efforts the record labels have changed his name back to the more well known, Joey Negro stage name.

I’ve understandably been asked the question of how did you come up with the alias Joey Negro many times. If you don’t...

Posted by Joey Negro on  Tuesday, 21 July 2020
Marea Stamper, the DJ formerly known as The Black Madonna, will now be known as The Blessed Madonna and acknowledged the 'pain and frustration' it has caused. Marea says: "My artist name has been a point of controversy, confusion, pain and frustration that distracts from things that are a thousand times more important than any single word in that name … we all have a responsibility to try and affect positive change in any way we can.”
The little south logo is on a blue background.

Written by

Editorial Team • 21 July 2020
by Editorial Team 6 December 2025
Becky Hill will perform at one of the Eden Sessions on June 20th 2026. Expect the hugely popular artist to provide a live performance of some of her best-loved releases.
by Editorial 6 December 2025
It is always a special gift to be able to showcase a brand new artist, and in this case, that artist is Rebecca D. She is an exciting DJ who embarked on her musical journey in 2024 after taking up some DJ lessons with JustJack. Since then, she has been making waves in the local music scene, with a series of gigs.
by Editorial Team 19 November 2025
The UK government is preparing to introduce legislation aimed at banning the resale of tickets to live events for profit. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the concerns surrounding exploitative secondary markets. As this crackdown progresses, the government is focusing on the platforms that contrib
by Editorial Team 19 November 2025
Dutch star unveils new teaser indicating potential shift in musical style.
by Editorial Team 18 November 2025
Jungle sounds are well and truly on the way to Falmouth's Cornish Bank venue this December courtesy of the team behind Noise Pollution. At the controls for the night will be DJs Amelia Leigh, Checkmate & Subscript to name a selection keeping the BPM going with jungle, DnB and breaks
by Editorial Team 18 November 2025
Newquay is set to come alive as the renowned Hard Energy clubbing brand takes over The Drunken Surfer venue for an unforgettable evening filled with pounding house, trance, and hardstyle dance music. The event promises the biggest dance floor slammers with the celebrated DJ Gammer at the helm of the festivities, bringi
Show More