More Musicians Change Their Racially Charged Names

More musicians are changing their stage names in the wake of Black Lives Matter and an overdue global awakening to the insidious power of racist words and symbols.

DJ Black Madonna

Joining the growing list of creators who have changed their names in recent weeks, The Black Madonna has stopped using her name. Now known as The Blessed Madonna, the caucasion gender-bending DJ made the shift after coming to grips with the “controversy, confusion, [and] pain” her moniker had caused.

Joey Negro

British dance music DJ Joey Negro has to drop his “unacceptable” stage name and instead will use his real name, Dave Lee.

“In truth I’ve not felt comfortable with the name Joey Negro for a while, especially as I’ve got older,” Lee said in a Facebook post. “I’ve stopped using it a few times but establishing a new name as an artist isn’t easy and I’ve ended up going back to it. I understand now though that it’s not appropriate for me to carry on using the name.”

“My whole life has been about music but particularly black music, I love soul, funk, disco, jazz in a way that’s impossible for me to articulate in words and I have tried to champion it with the best intentions.,” Lee concluded. Please be aware the changes are not instant everywhere.”

Dixie Chicks

Just two weeks ago The Dixie Chicks changed their to just The Chicks .

“We want to meet this moment,” reads a message signed by members Martie Maguire, Natalie Maines and Emily Strayer.

As part of the re-branding, The Chicks moved to a new website at thechicks.com and updated their social media footprint. They group also debuted a new single “March March” with a music video that shows footage of both historical and recent protests.

Lady Antebellum

Another major country artist, Lady Antebellum has changed their name to Lady A. Antebellum is a term that refers to the era prior to the the American Civil War.

But the change led to a new controversy.

Seattle blues singer Lady A filed a trademark lawsuit against the country group to protect what she has built over her 20 year career.

“Not wanting a name that is a reminder to many black folks of how so much was taken from us: our freedom, languages, families, and even our names makes sense,” the original Lady A said in a statement. “However, to do so by taking the name on which I, a black woman, have built my career in the music industry for over 20 years is ironic.“