Puerto Rican rapper and singer Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, who goes by Bad Bunny on stage, delivered a meaningful performance at the Super Bowl, following his record-breaking Grammy win the weekend before.
Bad Bunny’s accomplishments make me feel overwhelmingly proud of both of my cultures – Mexican and Puerto Rican. That is all thanks to Bad Bunny.
Bad Bunny became the first artist to win Album of the Year at the Grammys with an all Spanish album and the first solo Latino Super Bowl headliner.
For Puerto Ricans and Latinos, it was motivational to see someone from your homeland represent your culture and see the world appreciate it.
The most emotional moment that hit home for many viewers happened when Bad Bunny sat in disbelief, his eyes filled with tears when he won Album of the Year.
Watching him win felt like the stage recognized my culture amid all the prejudice Latinos face over the string of ICE raids.
A week after the win, he performed at the Super Bowl paying tribute to citizens on powerlines fixing the island’s utilities due to corruption, outfits embodying “nuyorican” fashion, and representing Latino owned businesses through real vendors performing alongside him.
Even though his performance showcased Puerto Rican culture, Ocasio did it in a way Latinos from any country could relate to.
Bad Bunny choreographed kids sleeping on chairs during parties, family get-togethers on the front lawn and street vendors smiling pushing carts These little details are scenes of Latino life we share around the globe.
His performance spotlighted nostalgia, home, community and most importantly, love.
His halftime performance showed nearly all the different cultures across the Americas, giving each of those countries a well-deserved shoutout.
Latin America makes up over 8% of the world population, though smaller countries and islands almost never get represented.
Sitting with my friends and family while we all watched our flag sway on television was extremely emotional and something that I am grateful to have experienced.
Many people felt seen when they saw their flag waving on the big screen, spreading the message that “together, we are America.”
Bad Bunny’s accomplishments shed a positive light to a community that faces many difficulties with President Donald Trump’s administration.
Living in times where many feel scared, fearful and unwelcome, seeing a proud Latino man stand up for his community, calling out the administration’s actions toward immigrants and using America’s biggest stage to represent Latinos in North and South America held a powerful sentiment.
It felt that many people still stand with Latinos, despite being unwanted in this very country they helped build, and appreciate our existence.
His Grammy win and performance was a symbol of hope for many Latinos in the country. It felt that no matter how hard times are for many there’s still bright moments of hope ahead for us and that “together, we are America.”
