Bad Bunny turns Puerto Rico tour finale into a protest cry
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Bad Bunny concluded his world tour in Puerto Rico with a concert that became a platform for social and political protest.
- The artist addressed issues like gentrification, corruption, and the island's colonial status, calling for action against them.
- The concert featured guest artists and tributes, blending musical performance with messages of national pride and activism.
Bad Bunny transformed the final concert of his "Debรญ tirar mรกs fotos" world tour in Puerto Rico into a powerful statement against gentrification, corruption, and the island's colonial status. From the outset at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, the artist, born Benito Antonio Martรญnez Ocasio, conveyed his deep emotion at closing his global journey in his homeland.
It is always an honor, a privilege, a blessing to have the love of my people, the love of my people. Thank you for being here.
Following a performance by the band Chuwi and a video urging youth mobilization against the frequent water and electricity outages plaguing the Caribbean archipelago, Bad Bunny emerged on stage. The crowd erupted in cheers of "Benito, Benito" as a large Puerto Rican flag waved behind him. "It is always an honor, a privilege, a blessing to have the love of my people, the love of my people. Thank you for being here," he expressed, visibly moved.
Last night was awesome, I'm not going to lie, there's a theory that the second night is always better, but it depends on you.
The concert featured a blend of musical tributes and fan favorites. Celia Cruz's "Oye como va" paid homage to Cuba, followed by hits like "Callaita." Bad Bunny emphasized the unique energy of his home crowd, stating, "Last night was awesome, I'm not going to lie, there's a theory that the second night is always better, but it depends on you." The performance included "Pitorro de coco" with a Puerto Rican cuatro, and fan-frenzy inducing tracks like "Weltita" and "Turista."
Let me tell you that the Esencia project has to be canceled, damn it.
Adding to the night's activism, the character "El Sapo Concho" appeared on screen to denounce the controversial luxury tourism project Esencia. "Let me tell you that the Esencia project has to be canceled, damn it," the character declared. The concert also saw guest appearances from salsa singer Vรญctor Manuelle, who performed "Mala y peligrosa" with Bad Bunny, and Puerto Rican singer Rainao. The slogan "I am Boricua, so you know" echoed through the stadium as fans danced to "Nuevayol."
I am Boricua, so you know
Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.