“No Me Quiero Ir De Aquí”- The Love Letter to Puerto Rico

Bad Bunny is no new name. He has been in the mainstream for almost a decade. He is most well-known for his Latin music and loud pride in his Puerto Rican heritage. He recently finished his residency, entitled “No Me Quiero Ir De Aquí”, a series of weekend concerts that solely took place in Puerto Rico. For three months, he performed his hit songs and singles from his new album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” for thousands of people a night. These shows were dubbed a “love letter to the island”, spotlighting traditional Puerto Rican music styles, culture, and classic Puerto Rican artists. The shows incorporated elements that highlighted Puerto Rico’s natural beauty and cultural identity, resonating deeply with local fans and visitors. He has been using his platform to highlight the culture that he is so proud of. His most recent album is a reflection of his efforts. In each song, Bad Bunny showcases traditional Puerto Rican instruments and musical uniqueness that can only be found on the island.

Chery Viruet/Billboard

The residency has made a substantial impact on the island. These shows and his outspoken activism have showcased the hardships that Puerto Rico and its people face on a daily basis, from frequent blackouts due to corrupt organizations to the loss of precious land for the sake of excessive tourism and greed. Bad Bunny has said time and time again that, even though he has made a name for himself and has seen substantial wealth, he will always be from el barrio. He has made it his goal to economically boost the island he grew up in, and his residency does just that. From July to September of this year, his concerts have generated over 200 million dollars for the island, revitalizing local businesses and tourism. Through hotel bookings, concert goers visiting family-owned businesses, and buying tickets and merchandise around the island, Bad Bunny has grown Puerto Rico’s economy to give families a sense of security. His decision to hold the residency exclusively in Puerto Rico instead of on the US mainland encouraged investment and drew global attention to the island as a cultural and musical hub, reinforcing its status on the international stage. 

Since his Super Bowl Halftime Show announcement, many Latinos have been showing their hope that he will use this opportunity to directly speak out against the violence Latinos and immigrants are facing in the United States. Bad Bunny’s influence on the global stage has shown the world that he is not afraid to stand up for his people. With his platform and international influence, he aims to support the island that gave him so much and make sure Puerto Rico and its culture stay their own.