In times of division and nativism in the United States, Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance brought Latin American culture to a nationwide audience. It included symbolism, a strong sense of identity, and Puerto Rican pride.
Bad Bunny’s showcase of pan-American ideals rejected the idea that America belongs to any group of people. At such a stereotypically American sporting event, it made a statement to the whole country that we—Latin Americans—belong here.
At the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny made his stage feel like one you have at your tia’s backyard past midnight. Family members dancing, screaming lyrics with arms around each other’s shoulders. This was the same feeling I got as the first song “Tití Me Preguntó” was sung.
“Yo Perreo Sola” followed soon after. A guest appearance from Lady Gaga, who put a Latin music spin on her song “Die With a Smile,” shook the crowd.
The halftime show included farm workers, palm trees, diversity, and a touch of home as Bad Bunny was handed a Piragua, a traditional Puerto Rican ice dessert, mid–song. Artists like Ricky Martin, Cardi B, Pedro Pascal, and Jessica Alba went onstage to show support.
The performance showed same-sex relationships and Hispanic-owned businesses like Villa’s Tacos. One eye-catching symbol were the electric poles shown during “El Apagón.”
The electric poles referenced the 2017 hurricane in Puerto Rico, leaving the country without electricity and causing enormous damages that cost over $90 million dollars in repairs. People were left helpless as they waited for the government to help for months on end.
Bad Bunny used his stage to bring light to this tragedy. He referenced how the government had done nothing to help the citizens of Puerto Rico when in need. Another song that gave me chills was “Lo Que le Pasó a Hawaii,” performed by Bad Bunny and Ricky Martin.
In our current world, many people have been censored from speaking up for what they believe in. Yet, Bad Bunny spoke up about the current state of what is going on in Puerto Rico and the U.S. It was amazing seeing how much a 13-minute performance spoke to the nation.
“Quieren quitarme el río y también la playa/ Quieren al barrio mío y que abuelita se vaya/ No, no suelte’ la bandera ni olvide’ el lelolai/ Que no quiero que hagan contigo lo que le pasó a Hawái,” Bad Bunny and Ricky Martin sang. They referenced the U.S. colonization of Hawaii in 1989. In this song, Bad Bunny yearns for his homeland to stay the same.
The song makes you realize the irony: the same people in the U.S that are trying to kick out people of Hispanic descent turn around and take tropical vacations.
Before the Superbowl, Bad Bunny won “Album of The Year” at the Grammys for his new album Debí Tirar Mas Fotos. He used his acceptance speech to send a message about the president of the United States’ stance on immigrants.
“We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans,” he said. He addressed the abductions ICE has committed and the insults the president has thrown on the land of the free.
Hispanic people are stigmatized as not being “true Americans.” ICE now goes after all Spanish-speaking communities, casting fear down to American citizens. Supporters of immigration enforcement push the idea that diversity is weakness.
These sentiments reject the idea of any Hispanic people performing at the Super Bowl. Some even tried making their own Super Bowl show with Kid Rock.
After watching Bad Bunny’s performance, it’s clear that it is more than just dancing and singing. It is fueled with fire and anger in the most beautiful way possible. It’s not sung with violence and hate but love and light.
The same force that was given with guns and brutality was returned by music.
