After a transformative 2024 that included the launch of his debut album, his first international festival performance, and the global rise of Budots, DJ Love welcomes 2025 with an electrifying mix for our This Is Home series.
Music is a powerful reflection of culture, especially in today’s globally connected landscape. As various genres like house, techno, drum and bass, and dubstep continue to thrive, the lines separating cultural heritage and modern production blur. Yet, Budots innovator DJ Love, born Sherwin Calumpang Tuna, remains committed to revealing the hidden treasures of his cultural background, infusing contemporary sounds with a fresh global outlook.
The previous year marked a pivotal moment for DJ Love. With the debut of his album Budots World (Reloaded) and his first festival performance at Margins United, organized by Eastern Margins at London’s EartH Hackney, he took the opportunity to discuss the electronic music scene in the Philippines, his career journey, and his aspirations to bring Budots to a wider audience.
Budots is deeply embedded in the grassroots culture of the Philippines. Having promoted the genre since 2009, DJ Love has been immersed in its sound since his early DJing days in the slums. As a high school student, music played a crucial role in his personal and collective evolution.
Growing up in Davao, I was inspired by the life around me—the energy, noise, struggles, and people’s creativity. I started as a dance instructor, crafting steps based on our society. Gang violence and substance abuse were rampant among the youth, and I sought to provide a positive outlet. I remixed music inspired by everyday sounds—jeepney horns, lizards, and neighborhood altercations—transforming them into an art form.
DJ Love
Describing the Filipino dance music scene as “diverse” and “vibrant,” DJ Love noted, “There are countless talented producers and DJs waiting to be discovered, particularly in Mindanao. Budots is just one facet of it, reflecting the grassroots culture of the Philippines. It emerged from the slums, utilizing sounds from daily life, and it continues to evolve as more people recognize and appreciate it.”
Budots is my way of saying “yes to dance, no to drugs,” and it became a cultural statement for the youth.
DJ Love
Thanks to social media, Budots gained significant momentum and exploded in popularity, especially on TikTok. In July 2024, Filipino producer DJ Johnrey Masbate’s Emergency Budots, sampling Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine’s “Dr. Beat,” became a viral sensation with its catchy melody and fun elements. Millions of videos featuring the sound emerged, launching the dance trend into a global phenomenon and revealing the rich, lesser-known history of the genre.
DJ Love, however, was not surprised by Budots’ surge in popularity, attributing it to the genre’s raw charm, fun, and authenticity. “It resonates with people because it’s rooted in everyday experiences. The sounds—like vehicle horns or TikTok viral voices—are universally recognizable,” he remarked. “Budots is enjoyable and carefree, something people everywhere connect with, especially when they crave joy and rhythm. There’s a universal energy to the music that I believe everyone can relate to at its core.”
While the viral track has thrust DJ Love into the limelight, he has long been a beloved figure in the Filipino dance music scene. For over 20 years, he has been crafting DIY Budots from his humble home on Camus Street in Davao City, right next to a mini internet cafe filled with coin-operated computers.
Budots transcends music; it reflects our way of life. It embodies joy in simplicity, self-expression, and authenticity.
DJ Love
Over the years, the energetic sound and catchy rhythms spread across social media platforms, infiltrating political rallies and national television to become an integral part of Filipino culture. As a key figure behind this unique sound, DJ Love received an invitation to headline a Boiler Room set in Manila, solidifying Budots on the global stage. “This opportunity arose alongside the growing recognition of Budots,” he elaborated. “It was a thrill to showcase this genre on such a prestigious platform. I’ve always wanted to share Budots with the world, and Boiler Room felt like the perfect venue for that.”
[Boiler Room] offered an invaluable chance to present Budots, its essence, and its cultural significance to a global audience, emphasizing the vibrant Filipino dance music scene. The experience was both exhilarating and humbling, reaffirming my dedication to sharing Budots’ essence worldwide.
DJ Love
Reflecting on his debut performance at such a notable event, he shared, “It was overwhelming but exhilarating. My knees were shaking, and I was seeking divine guidance! To prepare, I pumped myself up by listening to Budots on my phone. I told myself, “This is it—time to showcase Budots to the world.” I aimed to convey how fun and liberating it is, and I’m grateful people connected with that energy.”
Budots encompasses not only beats but also narratives, emotions, and a call for social change. As Budots gains traction, DJ Love remains committed to preserving the unique qualities that define the genre. He recognizes the importance of honoring his roots and representing the art of community and self-expression, emphasizing that the genre embodies daily struggles and sounds, while showcasing how electronic music can translate everyday experiences into art and foster unity and healing.
To truly comprehend Budots, one must appreciate its foundation within the lives of the masses. It’s about transforming everyday sounds and struggles into art. It’s also about community and self-expression.
DJ Love
DJ Love noted that his fundamental approach remains unchanged despite the genre’s expanding popularity; he continues to create and perform based on his passions. However, this doesn’t preclude innovation and evolution within Budots over the years. “I’ve learned to adapt to trends while staying true to Budots’ grassroots essence,” he explained. “It’s about evolving without losing the heart of the genre. I’m constantly working on new music and remixes inspired by life around me. I aspire to collaborate with more artists to present Budots to new audiences worldwide. My ambition is to highlight the talent of Filipino producers and share Budots’ unique narrative with the world.”
As DJ Love discussed his journey with us, he also presented an exclusive mix for our This Is Home series, showcasing a vibrant blend of high-energy tempo and infectious grooves that encapsulate the playful and lively spirit of Budots. Listen to the mix on SoundCloud!
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