Swahili Has Decided to Change Its "Culturally Ignorant" Band Name

"As we've grown as people, so has the discourse regarding equality, appropriation and violence and we've found ourselves regretting calling the band Swahili."

By Matthew Singer

It's been the year of name-shaming in the indie-rock world.

Canadian post-punk act Viet Cong came under fire for naming itself after the regime responsible for killing thousands of Vietnamese civilians, and eventually agreed to change it. Closer to home, Portland stoner-rockers Black Pussy inspired an online petition, several think-pieces and at least one show cancelation.

So you figure it was only a matter of time before people caught up with Swahili, the Portland psychedelic space-funk group which does not feature any members from Southeast Africa. Rather than wait to face the scourge of scandalized hashtivists, the band has decided to head off any possible controversy, by announcing on Facebook that it has played its final shows under that moniker:

Swahili, which released its latest album in April, has not yet decided on a replacement handle, but says it will be represented on its next project.

"We just felt like it was time to be done with Swahili," says member Troy Michaeu. "Lot of baggage and history with that name. We're working on a new record right now and the name will reflect the direction that project takes."

Well, in case they're looking for a few suggestions, I'm sure a few of these are still available.

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