Puerto Rican reggaeton artist, Bad Bunny, took the Super Bowl stage by storm with an electrifying performance that not only captivated the audience, but also shed light on the struggles of his home country. The rapper, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, used his platform to bring attention to Puerto Rico’s ongoing issue with blackouts, a problem that has plagued the island for years. This powerful message did not go unnoticed, as Puerto Rico’s energy provider, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), responded to the artist’s words.
As Bad Bunny took the stage alongside Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, he not only entertained the crowd with his hit songs, but also made a statement with his outfit. The rapper wore a white jacket that had the words “They killed Alexa, not a man in a skirt” written on the back. This was a tribute to Alexa Negrón Luciano, a transgender woman who was brutally murdered in Puerto Rico last year. This powerful statement brought attention to the violence and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Puerto Rico.
But it was during his performance of “Estamos Bien” (We are Okay) that Bad Bunny made a direct reference to Puerto Rico’s struggle with blackouts. The song, which was released in 2018, talks about the resilience of the Puerto Rican people in the face of the island’s economic and political challenges. As he sang the lyrics “No hay luz, pero estamos bien” (There’s no power, but we’re okay), the stadium was illuminated with cell phone lights, symbolizing the island’s struggle with electricity.
This powerful moment did not go unnoticed by PREPA, who took to social media to respond to Bad Bunny’s words. In a tweet, the energy provider wrote, “We’re glad to hear that you’re doing well @sanbenito. We’re working hard to improve our service and bring back the light to all of Puerto Rico. We hope to see you soon!” This response not only acknowledged the artist’s message, but also showed PREPA’s commitment to improving the situation for the people of Puerto Rico.
This is not the first time that Bad Bunny has used his platform to bring attention to social and political issues in Puerto Rico. In 2019, he joined the protests against former governor Ricardo Rosselló, who was forced to resign after leaked chats revealed his involvement in a corruption scandal. The rapper also donated money and supplies to those affected by Hurricane Maria, which devastated the island in 2017.
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance was not only a celebration of his music and culture, but also a reminder of the challenges faced by his home country. The rapper’s message of resilience and hope resonated with the audience, and his use of the stage to bring attention to important issues was commendable. It is heartening to see that his words did not fall on deaf ears, and that PREPA has taken notice and is working towards improving the situation.
As we continue to enjoy the success and talent of artists like Bad Bunny, it is important to remember that their voices can be a powerful tool for change. By using their platforms to bring attention to important issues, they can inspire others to take action and make a difference. Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance serves as a reminder that music can be a powerful vehicle for social change, and that Puerto Rico’s struggles are not forgotten.
In the end, Bad Bunny not only delivered a memorable performance, but also used his platform to shine a light on Puerto Rico’s ongoing challenges. His message of resilience, hope, and unity was a powerful one, and it is clear that his words have sparked a conversation and brought attention to important issues. As we continue to enjoy his music, let us also remember the message behind it and support the efforts to improve the situation in Puerto Rico. After all, as Bad Bunny says, “Estamos bien” (We are okay), but there is always room for improvement.