Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny made history this weekend by becoming the first artist to headline a Super Bowl halftime show in Spanish, sending a powerful message of love and unity amidst a hostile anti-immigration climate. The performance, which celebrated Puerto Rican culture and identity, featured a mix of traditional music genres and included appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin.
The show’s setting, with its sugarcane fields and domino players, paid homage to Caribbean history and the struggles of Puerto Rico’s sugarcane industry. Bad Bunny also paid tribute to his late uncle, who was born in 1964, and incorporated symbols of love, unity, and Latinx identity throughout the performance.
The show’s message resonated with audiences across cultures and countries, including a surprise appearance by Lady Gaga, who wore a light blue dress inspired by Puerto Rico’s original flag. The show also included nods to LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and featured tracks by Tego Calderón and Daddy Yankee, among others.
President Donald Trump described the event as “one of the worst” and a “slap in the face,” but Bad Bunny’s performance served as a reminder that accommodating to Anglo culture is no longer necessary for Latinx individuals. The singer ended the show with the phrase “seguimos aquí” (we are still here), which can also be translated to “we will continue to be here.” This powerful message was met with applause and appreciation from viewers worldwide.
Source: https://theconversation.com/unpacking-bad-bunnys-superbowl-show-an-alternative-joyful-vision-for-america-275545