Bad Bunny makes a ‘political statement’ as Puerto Rico residency begins

Bad Bunny is performing a series of 30 concerts that fans say are meant to galvanize Puerto Rico’s unique sense of pride and resilience against the backdrop of economic uncertainty, gentrification, and the long-lasting impact of colonialism.

A sense of excitement has permeated Puerto Rico as homegrown artist Bad Bunny, one of the world’s biggest music stars, begins his long-awaited residency on Friday. Stores are selling out memorabilia, restaurants are creating themed menu items and local news stations are devoting special coverage to what residents are calling “Bad Bunny mania.” Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, is performing a series of 30 concerts that fans say are meant to galvanize Puerto Rico’s unique sense of pride and resilience against the backdrop of economic uncertainty, gentrification, and the long-lasting impact of colonialism. The first nine shows of his residency will be performed exclusively for Puerto Rican residents, while the rest will invite fans from around the world in a larger effort to promote the island’s rich culture. All 30 shows, which will take place at the 18,500-seat arena Coliseo de Puerto Rico, have been sold out. Prioritizing Puerto Ricans for the residency “signals that Benito is speaking personally to Puerto Ricans first and foremost,” said Jorell Meléndez-Badillo, historian of Puerto Rico. The shows are also considered a powerful symbol of Puerto Rican self-reliance and the belief that the US territory can stand tall on its own, says Javier J. Hernández Acosta, dean of the School of Arts, Design and Creative Industries at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan.