Sherwin Calumpang Tuna, or DJ Love, as he is widely known, has significantly impacted the Philippine music scene. He’s dedicated his life to Budots, a genre that has become a cultural phenomenon and symbol of Filipino identity.
DJ Love’s career began in Barangay Camus, Davao City, where he founded the Camusboyz dance group in 2004. He pioneered the Budots sound, a blend of techno, electronica, and traditional Filipino music. Over time, he’s developed a unique style.
His talent and hard work led to a spot on Boiler Room’s Broadcast Lab, an event promoting community, artistic practice, and innovation. His inclusion highlights his dedication and commitment to Budots.
Fun fact: Sherwin has done many “Boiler Room” livestreams, and he says it gets hot and sweaty in his room—literally, a boiler room.
I interviewed Sherwin in Bisaya about his impact during the pandemic, when the global music industry struggled. I was curious how he felt about Budots, once dismissed by many, now gaining appreciation.
uu.. mga sosyal naman gani to kaau akong mga viewers sa pandemic live .. sayaw man gani og budots pati mga dj na hate nila budots karun ni ok na sila…wala sila mabuhat kay pati ilang lolo lola anak manayaw naman og budots
DJ Love
English: Yes, even upper-class viewers who watched my livestream during the pandemic ended up dancing, as did DJs who despised Budots. They have no choice; even their grandparents and children ended up dancing to Budots.
I told Sherwin his contributions during the pandemic were remarkable, uplifting many in the struggling music industry. His positivity was a beacon of hope. He shared a moving story:
naa koy naka storya…nag message dyud sya sa akoa nagpasalamat kay ge oxygen na sya kay naigo covid .. simula naka kita sya sa akong live na gi tan-aw sa iyang anak nabuhayan dyud sya og luob.. dako kaau sya og pasalamt..hantud karun naga react comment gihapon sya naga kamusta..
DJ Love
English: I spoke with a COVID patient; ever since his child showed him my livestream, he has found the strength to continue even while struggling to breathe with oxygen… He expressed his deep appreciation for my work and gratitude for the hope and joy it brought him during a difficult time, and he continues to watch my videos to this day.
The Budots dance originated in the late 90s and early 2000s in Davao City’s dance clubs. Now, it’s a global phenomenon.
Budots is more than just a dance; it’s a tool for social and political commentary, used by various movements to express their message. It amplifies the voices of marginalized communities.
Boiler Room’s Broadcast Lab showcase gives DJ Love a chance to share his talent and the unique Budots sound globally. His appearance embodies the event’s values of community, artistic practice, and innovation.
Subscribe to DJ Love for Budots: https://www.youtube.com/@budots.djlove
Follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camusboyz.davao
Read also: How to Build a Successful DJ Brand from Scratch?
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