On Sunday, Bad Bunny, fresh from his historic Grammy win for the album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” is set to deliver a groundbreaking performance during the Super Bowl halftime show. This appearance is anticipated to be a significant moment for Latino culture.
During an interview with Apple Music”s Zane Lowe, Bad Bunny revealed that his halftime show will last approximately 13 minutes, which aligns with the typical duration for such performances, ranging from 12 to 15 minutes. While he remained tight-lipped about specific details, he characterized the event as “a huge party,” emphasizing the importance of showcasing his cultural roots.
A trailer released last month offers a glimpse into what fans can expect. In the clip, Bad Bunny interacts with a Flamboyan tree while his single “Baile Inolvidable” plays. This modern salsa track features students from el Libre de Música San Juan and represents a mix of traditional Puerto Rican music styles, including bomba and plena, with contemporary genres like reggaeton and pop.
Fans of Bad Bunny can look forward to an eclectic performance featuring dancers from diverse backgrounds, including a traditional salsa dancer in a vibrant red dress, a firefighter, a cowboy, and older men known as “viejitos.” This diversity showcases Bad Bunny”s global appeal, as he currently holds the title of the most-streamed artist worldwide on Spotify.
Regarding the language of his performance, Bad Bunny primarily records his music in Spanish, suggesting that the show will predominantly feature his native tongue. However, he hinted that he might incorporate a few English phrases, similar to his playful remarks during his stint on “Saturday Night Live.” He noted that while fans need not learn Spanish to enjoy the show, they should be ready to dance.
As for cultural symbols, several elements are expected to appear on stage. Puerto Rican flags are likely to be featured, reflecting Bad Bunny”s pride in his heritage. His song “La Mudanza” includes lyrics that reference the historical suppression of the Puerto Rican flag, underscoring its significance.
Fans can also expect to hear Puerto Rican expressions such as “Wepa!” and “Acho, PR es otra cosa,” both of which resonate with excitement and pride. Additionally, visual elements like a casita, traditional straw hats called pavas, and the iconic Flamboyan tree will likely be included, emphasizing the beauty of Puerto Rican culture.
While it remains uncertain if Bad Bunny will have special guests join him during the performance, his past collaborations suggest that it is a strong possibility. Notable figures from Latin music, including Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez, could potentially make appearances.
This performance may also carry political undertones, as Bad Bunny has been outspoken on various social issues, particularly regarding Puerto Rican rights and immigration. His past engagement in politically charged moments, such as during previous Super Bowl performances, adds another layer of anticipation for what he might bring to the stage.
As the Super Bowl approaches, fans eagerly await what promises to be not just a performance, but a vibrant cultural celebration that reflects Bad Bunny”s artistry and advocacy.
