HoneyLuv Calls Out “Cultural Appropriation” In The Dance Music Scene

House music producer HoneyLuv has called out cultural appropriation in dance music and encouraged DJs to respect cultures that are not their own.

Merriam-Webster has defined appropriating as, “taking or making use of without authority or right.” As the scene grows, appropriating the cultures that built dance music has risen. HoneyLuv has spurred an important conversation about people of color being shadowed by white artists who are using aspects of cultures they are not a part of to rise. 

The electronic music scene has been built from the bottom up by people of color, specifically black people. In reply to the artist’s post, Nonfiction had agreed and reflected on DJs who are not Hispanic or Latin using Spanish stage names and making Latin-inspired music. 

HoneyLuv wrote, “The [cultural] appropriation in the scene is really getting old. You didn’t grow up in the southside of Chicago nor Compton, LA. Instead, in Idaho potato or in the nice calm countryside of English Wales.” 

Harry Romero of Bambossa Records also replied to her post, noting that cultural appropriation has been rampant in the scene for decades. HoneyLuv began releasing music in 2021 and explained that she has seen notable appropriation in the scene in those three years. Romero called on HoneyLuv to use her voice in the industry, to which she promised she would. 

Despite the black community’s significant impact on dance music, the industry has undoubtedly seen appropriation. The dance music scene has its roots in respect and inclusivity. Upholding these values holds weight for the scene, and speaking on how the community can improve is important. 

HoneyLuv has graced the stage of iconic venues like the Brooklyn Mirage and Space, as well as festivals like EDC and Coachella. On top of making club bangers, the DJ has used her voice to speak on important topics including race. As a black woman in EDM, HoneyLuv is carving out space for marginalized communities to thrive.