Feb 11 • 07:30 UTC 🇲🇽 Mexico El Financiero (ES)

Bad Bunny: industry, language, resistance

Bad Bunny, receiving a Grammy Award, champions Latino culture and American identity, stirring controversy and discourse around his music's influence.

Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican reggaeton star, made headlines after his Grammy acceptance speech where he emphasized the humanity and cultural identity of Latinos in America. His statements were not just a celebration of his success but also a direct response to the prevalent stereotypes and narratives that often portray Latinos in a negative light. One week later, during the Super Bowl halftime show, he further solidified his stance by promoting a unifying vision of Latin American culture, bravely confronting figures like Donald Trump who have previously used divisive rhetoric against immigrants and Latino communities.

The column reflects on the cultural significance of Bad Bunny as a rising figure in the global music landscape and examines the transformation of Latin artists from marginalized voices to central players in the industry. Lourdes Moreno Cazalla's article in Revista de Occidente discusses how Latin urban music has become a form of 'soft power' for the Spanish language, impacting cultures worldwide. The shift is profound, showcasing the ability of artists like Bad Bunny to resonate beyond traditional demographics and prejudices.

This dynamic not only elevates Latin music but also redefines the conversation surrounding cultural identity, race, and music's role in societal change. With figures like Bad Bunny leading the charge, there is a growing recognition of Latino contributions to the American cultural fabric, challenging old narratives and making space for a more inclusive dialogue that embraces diversity and rejects division.

📡 Similar Coverage