Why is Bad Bunny's Super Bowl show so controversial? | The Global Story

This video discusses Bad Bunny's controversial Super Bowl halftime performance and his political stances. It covers his background, rise to global fame, and his outspoken criticism of the Trump administration's handling of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico (8:22).

Key topics covered in the video include:

• Bad Bunny's Background (1:34): Born in Puerto Rico in 1994, Bad Bunny grew up in a humble family, with his father working as a truck driver and his mother as a teacher. He cultivated his musical talent from a young age, singing in his church choir and later emerging from the SoundCloud scene with Latin trap music.
• Rise to Global Fame (4:04): Bad Bunny's international breakthrough came in 2018 with his feature on Cardi B's hit song "I Like It." His unique style and gender-bending fashion also played a significant role in gaining attention.

• Bad Bunny's music transcends language through several key elements:

  • Resonance and Call and Response (14:11): His music utilizes the "magic of call and response," a fundamental aspect of many musical traditions, particularly those rooted in African and Caribbean cultures. This creates an engaging and interactive experience for listeners, regardless of their Spanish proficiency. The video mentions how even non-Spanish speakers at a Tiny Desk concert were "jamming to it" (13:40).
  • Deep Rhythms (14:34): The music incorporates "very, very old rhythms" that are "sticky for a reason" and have been "effective carriers of culture for hundreds of years." These deep, ingrained rhythms connect with listeners on a primal level, allowing them to feel and respond to the music without needing to understand the lyrics. The podcast highlights that Puerto Rican music, like Caribbean and Black music, uses drums and a "call" that "reaches you in a really deep place" (14:55).
  • Cultural Connection (14:47): The music's roots in Puerto Rican, Caribbean, and Black musical traditions contribute to its universal appeal. These genres often prioritize rhythm and feeling, which can be understood and appreciated across cultural and linguistic barriers.
• Puerto Rico's Status (6:45): The video clarifies that Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, not a sovereign state or a U.S. state. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in U.S. elections unless they reside on the mainland.
• Political Activism (8:22): Bad Bunny has been consistently critical of the government's response to Hurricane Maria and participated in major protests in Puerto Rico in 2019. His music, particularly his latest album "Debi Haber Tomado Más Fotos" (11:40), is infused with his pride in Puerto Rico and addresses social and political issues.
• Super Bowl Halftime Show (20:30): Despite not touring in the U.S. due to concerns about ICE agents (18:40), Bad Bunny accepted the Super Bowl performance, a move seen as a strategic step in his career to reach a wider audience. The choice of Bad Bunny has angered some conservative groups (21:08), but the NFL likely aimed to attract non-football viewers.
• Expected Performance (22:00): Bad Bunny is expected to perform entirely in Spanish and use the platform to advocate for the dignity of migrants and Latin American people. There's also speculation about whether he will promote Puerto Rican sovereignty during his performance.