There are few artists who are as impactful to a place as Bad Bunny is to Puerto Rico. Born Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, the singer’s influence extends far beyond his industry. His 30-night concert residency in Puerto Rico drew upwards of $400 million into the country’s economy, helping the country to regrow after Hurricane Maria and the COVID-19 pandemic. Outside of performing, the artist is a constant activist for Puerto Ricans, leveraging his international popularity to advocate for renewed representation, support, and appreciation for his homeland.
Blending reggaeton beats and infectious Latin trap rhythms with political statements, Bad Bunny’s music often speaks to the struggles that Puerto Ricans face. In “El Apagon,” he draws attention to persistent power grid failures and blackouts across Puerto Rico. In “LO QUE LE PASO A HAWAII,” Bad Bunny advocates for Puerto Rican independence over statehood by drawing parallels between Puerto Rico and Hawaii, two island nations that share histories of colonization by the United States.
Recently, when Bad Bunny announced a worldwide tour for his latest album, “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” there was one country notably absent from the 57 show lineup. Bad Bunny’s decision not to tour in the United States was a measured one. In an interview with I-D magazine, the Puerto Rican superstar said that he feared Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would profile and arrest fans at his concerts in the continental US. However, the one concert he will be playing in the United States is perhaps on the largest stage of all—the Superbowl.
After the NFL announced that Bad Bunny would be headlining during America’s favorite pastime, public opinion and discourse exploded. Supporters touted the league’s decision as one that would advance Latin representation, while critics quickly questioned how Bad Bunny could even appeal to a primarily “American” audience. President Donald Trump dismissed the artist, saying,”I’ve never heard of him. I don’t know who he is.” House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed that statement, claiming that Bad Bunny is “not someone who appeals to a broader audience.” Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem went further, promising that there will be “ICE enforcement” at the Super Bowl and that ICE will be “all over” the event.
Other critics emphasize that the performer has no songs in English, making this the first ever halftime show completely in Spanish. However, this criticism overlooks the fact that the United States has 41 million Spanish speakers, and it is the second largest spoken language in this country.
For Spanish-speaking fans across the United States, Bad Bunny’s performance illustrates recognition instead of barriers. Latin musicians have shaped American culture for decades, from Carlos Santana‘s Latin jazz to Selena Gomez‘s chart-topping singles. However, these artists are often not given a mainstream platform, making the scale of Bad Bunny’s performance that much more impactful. It will send a message that the millions of Latino people living in the United States that their voices, stories, and culture matter.
It is now more than ever that the United States needs voices like Bad Bunny that uplift and appreciate the vibrant culture of Latin America. The halftime show will be a celebration of the diversity, resilience, and creativity of Latin, Puerto Rican, and immigrant communities that have and will continue to shape this country for generations. For millions of people, this performance will finally be a representation of the America that they have helped make so wonderful.
Sources: I-D Magazine, New York Magazine, PBS
