Bad Bunny’s rise has never been apolitical, even if mainstream America is only now catching up.
A Trajectory Rooted in Politics
As the Puerto Rican superstar prepares for a Super Bowl performance following a Grammy win for Album of the Year, his visibility has sparked debate about the role of politics in pop music. Still, for Bad Bunny and Puerto Rico, politics are not a choice, but a fundamental aspect of daily life.
His approach is already making history by being inclusive of all Puerto Ricans, including Black Puerto Ricans who are often overlooked.
Reggaeton, Colonialism, and Displacement
An upcoming episode of Vibe Check features a conversation between hosts Zach Stafford and Saeed Jones and activist Nelini Stamp, Director of Strategy at the Working Families Party. They discuss Bad Bunny’s journey from bagging groceries in Puerto Rico to becoming the most-streamed artist of last year.
The conversation explores how reggaeton’s Afro-Caribbean roots, Puerto Rico’s colonial status, and the displacement of Puerto Ricans after Hurricane Maria have shaped this cultural moment. Stamp explained that Bad Bunny’s music, aesthetics, and choices are inseparable from Blackness, diaspora, and power.
A Celebration of “Latino Mundo”
Bad Bunny’s performance is expected to be a celebration of Latino mundo – Latinos of the world – recognizing the diversity within the Latino community. His performance is particularly significant given that more Puerto Ricans live outside the island than on it, especially following the devastation of Hurricane Maria and the implementation of PROMESA.
Puerto Rico’s unique status as a U.S. Territory—where residents cannot vote for president and lack full representation—underscores the political weight of his performance. Bad Bunny has consistently used his platform to highlight various identities within Puerto Rico, including trans women and the LGBTQ+ community.
Even if Bad Bunny doesn’t explicitly address political issues during the Super Bowl, his presence on the stage is inherently political, as evidenced by reactions to his performance announcement, including attempts to downplay his significance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bad Bunny’s background?
Bad Bunny grew up in the trap version of reggaeton, an art form with Afro-Latino and Indigenous Latino roots, combining Caribbean influences.
What was the reaction to Bad Bunny being selected to perform at the Super Bowl?
President Trump attempted to downplay Bad Bunny’s significance, but he was the most-streamed artist in the world last year.
Why is Bad Bunny’s performance considered political?
His performance is considered political because of Puerto Rico’s colonial status, the displacement of Puerto Ricans after Hurricane Maria, and his consistent highlighting of diverse identities within Puerto Rico.
How will Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance impact the broader cultural conversation?
