Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Half-Time Show: A Joyful Ode to Boricua Pride
The moment Bad Bunny took the stage at the Super Bowl half-time show was a testament to his dedication to celebrating his heritage. The Puerto Rican rapper, singer, and songwriter poured his heart out in a performance that was equal parts high-energy dance party and poignant tribute to the struggles of his people.
As he kicked off the show, "Benito Bowl," Bad Bunny proved many of his critics wrong by delivering on his promise to display the reality of Puerto Rican life. The energy was infectious, with the young man carrying a Puerto Rican flag before him serving as a symbol of unity and solidarity. His mother's birth year, 1964, was proudly displayed on his bespoke Ocasio jersey-suit-jacket, adding a touch of personal warmth to the performance.
The setlist was a masterclass in eclecticism, blending traditional Puerto Rican music with modern styles like reggaetón and trap. The highlight of the show came when Benito seamlessly blended into a massive rendition of "Gasolina," complete with Daddy Yankee's iconic chorus. This was followed by an impassioned performance of "Nuevayol," which featured a recreation of his grandmother's Caribbean Social Club, complete with community members singing along and celebrating.
One of the standout moments came when Benito used the Super Bowl stage to highlight the struggles faced by Puerto Rico. The flag of Puerto Rican independence was dramatically unfurled across the field during "El Apagón," accompanied by a stirring call-and-response from Los Pleneros de la Cresta. This poignant moment served as a stark reminder of the ongoing occupation of Minneapolis by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, which Benito addressed in his acceptance speech.
The show's climax came when Benito proudly declared, "God bless America...together, we are America." The crowd erupted in cheers as he handed an award to a young boy watching his Grammys speech on television. In this moment, it was clear that Bad Bunny had used the platform to promote unity and inclusivity.
Throughout the performance, it was evident that Benito's music has been a beacon of hope for many who feel marginalized or overlooked by mainstream culture. His lyrics have long addressed issues of identity, labor, and displacement, making him an unlikely icon for those seeking change.
In short, Bad Bunny's Super Bowl half-time show was a joyous ode to Boricua pride, a testament to the power of art and music in bringing people together in the face of adversity.
The moment Bad Bunny took the stage at the Super Bowl half-time show was a testament to his dedication to celebrating his heritage. The Puerto Rican rapper, singer, and songwriter poured his heart out in a performance that was equal parts high-energy dance party and poignant tribute to the struggles of his people.
As he kicked off the show, "Benito Bowl," Bad Bunny proved many of his critics wrong by delivering on his promise to display the reality of Puerto Rican life. The energy was infectious, with the young man carrying a Puerto Rican flag before him serving as a symbol of unity and solidarity. His mother's birth year, 1964, was proudly displayed on his bespoke Ocasio jersey-suit-jacket, adding a touch of personal warmth to the performance.
The setlist was a masterclass in eclecticism, blending traditional Puerto Rican music with modern styles like reggaetón and trap. The highlight of the show came when Benito seamlessly blended into a massive rendition of "Gasolina," complete with Daddy Yankee's iconic chorus. This was followed by an impassioned performance of "Nuevayol," which featured a recreation of his grandmother's Caribbean Social Club, complete with community members singing along and celebrating.
One of the standout moments came when Benito used the Super Bowl stage to highlight the struggles faced by Puerto Rico. The flag of Puerto Rican independence was dramatically unfurled across the field during "El Apagón," accompanied by a stirring call-and-response from Los Pleneros de la Cresta. This poignant moment served as a stark reminder of the ongoing occupation of Minneapolis by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, which Benito addressed in his acceptance speech.
The show's climax came when Benito proudly declared, "God bless America...together, we are America." The crowd erupted in cheers as he handed an award to a young boy watching his Grammys speech on television. In this moment, it was clear that Bad Bunny had used the platform to promote unity and inclusivity.
Throughout the performance, it was evident that Benito's music has been a beacon of hope for many who feel marginalized or overlooked by mainstream culture. His lyrics have long addressed issues of identity, labor, and displacement, making him an unlikely icon for those seeking change.
In short, Bad Bunny's Super Bowl half-time show was a joyous ode to Boricua pride, a testament to the power of art and music in bringing people together in the face of adversity.