NEWS IN BRIEF - Culture: Band Lauwarm disbands +++ Decision on Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest postponed

cov . The reggae musicians of the Bernese band Lauwarm are going their separate ways. As reported by "Sonntagsblick" (October 12), the five-member band disbanded last week.

In July 2022, one of their concerts at Bern's Brasserie Lorraine was canceled , sparking a nationwide debate. Some guests complained to the promoter because there were white men on stage playing reggae music, some of whom wore dreadlocks. They accused the band of cultural appropriation. The owners of the Brasserie Lorraine were persuaded by these concerns and stopped the musicians from playing after an intermission.

The incident sparked an intense debate about the terms "cultural appropriation" and "wokeness." According to frontman Dominik Plumettaz, who himself has Black and indigenous Brazilian roots, the discussion caused lasting damage to the band. "We were labeled as white, privileged men who appropriate foreign cultures," he told the "Sonntagsblick" newspaper. The band members were even equated with right-wing extremists by a small left-wing group. "I was insulted, but I just wanted to make music—to make people think," Plumettaz said.

At the same time, the right-wing movement attempted to exploit the cancellation of the concert for its own purposes, specifically to mobilize against woke ideals. In this context, the band was booked to perform at the "Weltwoche" festival.

In general, however, Lauwarm had difficulty getting gigs. Promoters were less likely to book the band for fear of reputational damage. Now, singer and lyricist Plumettaz has launched his own project called Do Maré. "I want to start anew, shake off the prejudices."

(dpa) The decision on Israel's participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Vienna has been postponed. Instead of a possible special session in November, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organizer of the contest, announced on Tuesday (October 14) that this issue will be discussed at the regular session in December.

The move was said to be related to recent developments in the Middle East and the possible end of the Gaza war. Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas had agreed to implement the first phase of the US peace plan . A ceasefire is in effect.

In light of the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip, various European countries had threatened to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participated. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) took a completely opposite stance. He threatened a boycott by Germany if Israel were excluded.

The Eurovision Song Contest is the world's largest music event. The event is sponsored by the public broadcasters of the participating countries. Austrian Broadcasting (ORF) will host the next Eurovision Song Contest, as Austrian countertenor JJ won the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel .