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 • 5 November 2026
Electric Bay 2027 returns to Torquay for its 5th anniversary! Pete Tong Ibiza Classics, Eats Everything & Marshall Jefferson headline Saturday 10th July.
by Editorial Team • 4 November 2026
Catch Omega Nebula live at Falmouth Princess Pavilion on 21 Nov 2026! Experience an explosive fusion of dub reggae and dance music with Dub Catalyst.
by Editorial Team • 3 November 2026
Catch Glitterbox at Lusty Glaze Beach on 26 June 2027. Enjoy pure house, uplifting disco, and dancing on the beach with Shapeshifters and Mousse T live.
by Editorial Team • 3 November 2026
Discover Flavourlabel, a Cornwall DJ mixing Ibiza-style electronic music from chilled beach sets to bouncing beats. Stream the ultimate sunset tracklist mix now.
by Editorial Team • 15 October 2026
Meet South Devon house DJ HAYLO. From Lost Lake Festival to her new Little South mix, discover her musical philosophy and why she lets the groove breathe.
by Editorial Team • 15 October 2026
Experience an immersive night of Psytechno and Psytrance with Acid Drop Anton & Iammersive at the Fish Factory, Penryn, Cornwall on November 27th. Tickets £10.
Show More