The first half of this decade unmistakably belongs to Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican music sensation who has dominated the global music scene. Over the past five years, he has consistently been the most-streamed artist worldwide, with his infectious beats and compelling lyrics resonating with millions across diverse cultures, languages, and borders. Each year, he breaks records and sets new benchmarks, frequently reaching the top of the Billboard 200, and establishing a legacy that will be remembered alongside the greatest icons in music history. His influence transcends music, creating a cultural phenomenon that has captivated audiences everywhere.
Recently, Bad Bunny achieved yet another remarkable milestone with the launch of an extraordinary residency at the renowned Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot (commonly known as El Choli) in San Juan on July 11. Titled No Me Quiero Ir De Aquí (I Don’t Want to Leave From Here), this event signifies the commencement of a groundbreaking 30-show series at Puerto Rico’s most iconic venue, capable of hosting an audience of 18,000. On opening night, he enthralled a packed house with a breathtaking three-hour performance brimming with celebration, spectacle, and the essence of corazón boricua, firmly establishing Puerto Rico as a central hub in the global music landscape.
The performance was not merely a concert; it was an immersive experience that celebrated Puerto Rican history and cultural identity. Before even commencing his three-hour show at 9 p.m. ET, a large screen displayed enlightening facts about the island’s rich roots, vibrant culture, and unyielding resilience. Messages in Spanish, such as “Puerto Rico is an archipelago, not just an island” and “San Juan is one of the oldest cities in the Americas, founded in 1521,” served to educate the audience, enriching their understanding and pride in their heritage as they prepared for the evening’s festivities.
Additional messages highlighted the unique characteristics of Puerto Rico: “Puerto Rico has two native musical genres: bomba and plena,” paying homage to its African influences and working-class heritage, and “In Puerto Rico, they celebrate the longest Christmas season in the world.” Light-hearted facts also found their place, such as “Sancocho cures anything, according to our grandmothers,” bringing a smile and laughter to the audience while celebrating the warmth of Puerto Rican traditions.
This rich blend of history and cultural pride set a powerful tone for an unforgettable night. Bad Bunny made a stunning entrance on stage in a Taíno-inspired outfit — a beige ensemble adorned with straw accents, dark sunglasses, and a winter-trapper-style hat — symbolizing a connection to the island’s ancient roots while confidently stepping into the contemporary world. The stage design featured lush green hills and intricate cultural motifs, visually representing the depth of his message: a vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican culture that was meant to inspire and uplift the audience.
Opening with the track “DTmF,” Bad Bunny seamlessly transitioned through a selection of hits from his latest album, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, including crowd favorites like “KETU TeCRÉ,” “EL CLúB,” “PIToRRO DE COCO,” and “WELTiTA.” He also performed beloved older classics such as “La Santa” (originally featuring Daddy Yankee), “El Apagón,” “Si Estuviésemos Juntos,” and “Ni Bien Ni Mal,” culminating in a set that included over 30 songs. This diverse collection showcased a captivating blend of musical styles, including bomba, plena, salsa, Latin trap, and reggaetón.
Bad Bunny brought the ancestral rhythms of Puerto Rico to life, featuring exhilarating percussion and dancers adorned in traditional straw hats. During a segment dedicated to salsa, the atmosphere shifted to honor the contributions of the Puerto Rican diaspora to this genre. Dressed in a classic cream suit reminiscent of the 1970s, he invoked the spirit of legendary artists like Héctor Lavoe, Willie Colón, Rubén Blades, and Tito Puente. With a tribute to the iconic Fania All-Stars era, he acknowledged the generations of Puerto Ricans in New York City who have kept these cherished sounds alive long after they left their homeland.
Throughout the night, Bad Bunny emphasized that this residency was not solely about his own success; it was a tribute to the community and the legendary artists who paved the way for him. Midway through his electrifying performance, he paused to pay homage to the trailblazers of reggaetón and Latin music, including Tego Calderón, Daddy Yankee, Ivy Queen, Don Omar, Wisin y Yandel, Ñengo Flow, and many others. “This is all for you. For us,” he declared, drawing the audience closer to his vision and reinforcing the importance of shared cultural achievements.
While the residency was filled with thrilling highs and dazzling performances, it also represented a significant cultural milestone.
“This residency is more than just a concert series — it’s a landmark moment for our island,” stated Jorge L. Pérez, the general manager of the venue, in a conversation with Billboard Español. “It’s a testament to our creative talent and our rightful place in the global entertainment industry.”
As Puerto Rico prepares to welcome over 250,000 visitors during the residency’s duration, Bad Bunny has positioned the island as a premier entertainment destination. This influx is expected to boost the local economy, uplift small businesses, and draw international attention to its distinctive cultural identity.
Pérez further added: “It inspires the next generation to understand that achieving success doesn’t necessitate leaving home. They can dream big, build their futures here, and receive recognition right in their own community. This is a showcase of Puerto Rican pride in action. It embodies cultural significance, economic growth, and artistic excellence — all firmly rooted in the place that matters most.”
As the night progressed and the final moments approached near midnight, Bad Bunny stood side by side with his dancers, a massive Puerto Rican flag unfurled across the stage. The lights illuminated the venue in a stunning display, culminating in a heartfelt tribute to the land, the people, and the cultural heritage that have shaped him into the globally recognized artist he is today.
