diff --git a/dejavu/database_sql.py b/dejavu/database_sql.py
index 031bdcb..cf68c20 100755
--- a/dejavu/database_sql.py
+++ b/dejavu/database_sql.py
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ class SQLDatabase(Database):
         .. warning:
             This will result in a loss of data
         """
-        with self.cursor() as cur:
+        with self.cursor(charset="utf8") as cur:
             cur.execute(self.DROP_FINGERPRINTS)
             cur.execute(self.DROP_SONGS)