Bad Bunny seduces Milan, turning reggaeton into global politics and culture

Bad Bunny captivated nearly 80,000 fans in Milan with a concert that transcended a typical musical performance, becoming a three-hour celebration of music, dance, and cultural identity. The show served as a powerful statement that global pop music is no longer solely dominated by English. At one point, an animated toad appeared on screen, warning those who don't understand Spanish that they are missing the message. However, the message resonated through the music, visuals, and the audience's enthusiastic participation.

Despite his immense global success, with over thirty songs surpassing a billion streams and his album 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos' winning a Grammy for Album of the Year, Bad Bunny remains committed to his artistic roots. He performs exclusively in Spanish and stays deeply connected to Puerto Rican culture, a deliberate choice in an era where many artists compromise linguistically for broader market appeal. The concert's opening by the Puerto Rican band Chuwi reflected this dual identity.

The performance itself was a dynamic journey. The first part showcased a grand orchestra with salsa and traditional instruments, even touching on experimental sounds, accompanied by dancers in straw hats, evoking agricultural workers. The song 'Baile Inolvidable' featured a lengthy synthesizer solo and impressive musical interplay. The atmosphere then shifted dramatically as Bad Bunny changed into a street-style outfit, unleashing reggaeton and Latin trap hits like 'Tití Me Preguntó' to ignite the venue with lasers, fireworks, and a vibrant Latin rave.

A significant visual element was the replica of 'La Casita,' a typical Puerto Rican home, symbolizing the artist's fight against gentrification in his homeland. This representation of roots became the show's centerpiece, with Bad Bunny performing surrounded by dancers in a neighborhood party atmosphere. However, the placement of 'La Casita' within a VIP area, seemingly reserved for influencers and select fans, introduced a tension. This exclusivity contrasted with the inclusive social message often present in his work, raising questions about the accessibility of his cultural symbols.