Latest news with #ElCholi
NZ Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Puerto Ricans hope famous son's return will also showcase the US island territory
It's 'completely changed', the 29-year-old said, as crowds buzzed about La Placita where some bars were slinging Bad Bunny-themed cocktails. 'We're thrilled,' Ayala said. 'The tips are through the roof.' The fact that people are coming from across the globe to see Bad Bunny 'is a source of pride for Puerto Rico, too', he added. Arely Ortiz, a 23-year-old student from Los Angeles, couldn't score a ticket to a show - but said Bad Bunny was still the draw that prompted her to book her first trip to Puerto Rico. 'I really love how outspoken he is about his community,' she said. 'Just seeing him, that he can get so far, and he's Latino, it encourages more Latinos to be able to go for what they want.' 'He has for sure empowered Latinos, like 100 percent.' Tourism: it's complicated But while tourism has long been an economic engine for the Caribbean island that remains a territory of the United States, the relationship is complicated. Concerns around gentrification, displacement and cultural dilution have magnified on the archipelago beloved for stunning beaches with turquoise waters. That's especially because it's become a hotspot for luxury development, short-term rentals, and so-called 'digital nomads' who work their laptop jobs remotely while travelling the world. Visiting foreigners sample the island's beauty but are shielded from the struggle, say many locals who are coping with a chronic economic crisis exacerbated by natural disasters, as rents soar and massive blackouts are routine. Bad Bunny - who was born and raised Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio - himself has pointed to such issues and more in his metaphor and reference-laden lyrics. 'In my life, you were a tourist,' reads one translation of his track Turista. 'You only saw the best of me and not how I was suffering.' Historian Jorell Melendez Badillo told AFP that Puerto Rico by design has long catered to foreign investment. 'A lot of people see tourism as sort of like this colonial undertone,' he said. But when it comes to Bad Bunny and his residency at the affectionately nicknamed venue El Choli, 'we cannot negate the fact that it's going to bring millions of dollars' to the island, he added. 'We can celebrate what Benito is doing while also looking at it critically and having a conversation around what type of tourism will be incentivised by this residency.' Ana Rodado travelled to Puerto Rico from Spain after a friend native to the island gifted her a ticket. She booked a five-day trip with another friend that included a visit to beachside Vega Baja, the municipality where Bad Bunny grew up and worked bagging groceries before gaining fame. After posing for a photo in the town square, Rodado told AFP that she'd been trying to take the artist's 'shop local' plea to heart. 'Tourism is a global problem,' she said. 'To the extent possible, we have to be responsible with our consumer choices, and above all with the impact our trip has on each place. 'We try to be respectful, and so far people have been really nice to us.' Ultimately, Bad Bunny's residency is a love letter to his people - a show about and for Puerto Ricans whose narrative centres on heritage, pride, and joy. 'We're here, damn it!' he shouted to ecstatic screams during his sweeping first show, which at times felt like a giant block party. 'I'd come back for the next 100 years - if God lets me, I'll be here.' -Agence France-Presse
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bad Bunny Kicks Off Historic Residency in Puerto Rico: Every Song From His First Show
History was in the making on Friday night (July 11) as Bad Bunny launched his wildly anticipated No Me Quiero Ir De Aquí (meaning: I Don't Want to Leave From Here) residency at the legendary Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot (a.k.a. El Choli) in San Juan. The event marked the beginning of his unprecedented 30-show series, making him the first artist to ever headline a residency of this scale at the iconic venue with capacity for 18,000 people. More from Billboard Mötley Crüe's Nikki Sixx Says 'Health Issues' Prevented Band From Performing at All-Star Final Ozzy Osbourne/Black Sabbath Show Hegseth's Video Deleted, Reposted After Metallica's Cease & Desist Over Unauthorized Use of 'Enter Sandman' in Drone Clip Ed Sheeran Overwhelmed With Emotion Performing With Musical Hero James Blunt: 'Top 3 Favorite Moments on Stage Of All Time' The Puerto Rican superstar (real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) put on an electrifying show for a euphoric, sold-out audience on opening night, fusing reggaeton, Latin trap and Puerto Rican folk sounds with heartfelt moments honoring his culture — even featuring a quaint Boricua home onstage. 'Show them from the start where the gladiators were born,' reggaetón pioneer Ivy Queen wrote in Spanish on Bad Bunny's IG post announcing the residency. 'Proudly representing from the heart of the neighborhood, where we can vibe to the beat of drums, the bass of a car speaker, or even acapella — we bring the energy anywhere! Historic moment, my pollito stepping up with pride and showing off what it means to be Puerto Rican! That huge Pisces heart is coming through strong! Let's gooooooo!' The first three weeks of the residency (July 11–27) are restricted to Puerto Rico residents before opening up to tourists. '[This residency] will position Puerto Rico as a premier entertainment destination,' Jorge L. Pérez, the general manager of Coliseo de Puerto Rico, previously told Billboard Español. 'It will open the eyes of visitors who have never come to Puerto Rico. It will create awareness of Puerto Rico as an entertainment and leisure destination.' Planning to come to Bad Bunny's residency? Here's the ultimate travel guide with everything you need to know before you arrive. (His new surprise single, 'Alambre PúA,' which he debuted at the show but was mistakenly left out of our original post, has also been added to the beginning of the setlist.') Check out the full setlist from his opening show at El Choli below. Single (2025) Album: DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (2025) Album: DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (2025) Album: DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (2025) Album: YHLGMDLG (2020), feat. Daddy Yankee Album: DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (2025) Album: Un Verano Sin Ti (2022) Album: DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (2025), feat. Chuwi Album: DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (2025) Album: DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (2025) Album: X 100pre (2018) Album: X 100pre (2018) Single (2018) Album: DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (2025) Album: DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (2025) Album: Un Verano Sin Ti (2022) Album: Un Verano Sin Ti (2022) Album: YHLGMDLG (2020) Album: X 100pre (2018), feat. El Alfa Album: Arcángel's Sr. Santos (2022), Arcángel & Bad Bunny Album: DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (2025) Album: Un Verano Sin Ti (2022), feat. Chencho Corleone Album: Jhayco's Famouz (2019), Bad Bunny, J Balvin & Jhayco Album: Lunay's Épico (2019), Bad Bunny, Daddy Yankee & Lunay Album: Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana (2023), feat. Feid Album: YHLGMDLG (2020) Album: Un Verano Sin Ti (2022) Album: YHLGMDLG (2020), feat. Jowell & Randy, and Ñengo Flow Album: DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (2025), feat. Dei V & Omar Courtz Album: DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (2025) Album: DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (2025), feat. Los Pleneros de la Cresta Album: DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (2025) Album: Un Verano Sin Ti (2022), feat. Tainy Album: DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (2025) Album: DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (2025) Album: DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (2025) Album: YHLGMDLG (2020), feat. Arcángel & Kendo Kaponi Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bad Bunny Drops Surprise Single ‘Alambre Púa' Amid Historic Puerto Rico Residency
Bad Bunny continues to keep fans on their toes. Throughout the first three dates of his 30-show No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí (I Don't Want to Leave Here) residency at Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot (a.k.a. El Choli), the singer has been performing a new song titled 'Alambre Púa' as the opening song of the show. On Monday (July 14), El Conejo Malo finally dropped the single on all DSPs, alongside an accompanying visual. The nearly 3-minute music video, recorded at the venue, transforms the stage into a visual homage to Bunny's Puerto Rican roots, with lush mountainous landscapes and Taino-inspired dancer weaving through the scene, wearing beige colors with straw accents. There was also a ceiba-like tree at the right side of the stage — Puerto Rico's national tree and a cultural symbol. The percussive-heavy track is produced by Tainy and Luis Ahmed Irizarry. More from Billboard 'No Me Quiero Ir De Aquí': Bad Bunny Brings Pride, Power & Puerto Rican Excellence to Historic Residency Premiere at Coliseo 'Been Busy': Tame Impala Teases New Music With Social Media Update Doja Cat, Tems, J Balvin & Coldplay Join Forces for Unifying FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show Performance The stage design was executed with the help of set designer Gabriela Escalera, Mayna Magruder, production designer Monica Monserrate, Natalia Rosa, Rafi Pérez, and A1 Productions' executive producer Sigfredo Bellaflores — all of whom captured Bad Bunny's creativity and deep connection to his heritage, marking a powerful beginning to an already historic residency. 'Me amarraste el corazón con alambre 'e púa', he sings ('You tied my heart with barbed wire'). He pairs this sentiment with declarations like, 'Hoy te vo'a buscar y te vo'a besar cerca del lunar', meaning, 'Tonight I'll find you and kiss you near your birthmark.' Benito's residency in Puerto Rico continues through the rest of July and into mid September. The first nine dates of the show have been specifically reserved for local residents only, with the remainder of the residency open to the public. Watch the video for Bad Bunny's new single 'Alambre Púa' below, recorded live from El Choli. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Los Angeles Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Bad Bunny urges Puerto Ricans to own their rhythm in emotional hometown show
A young woman emerged from the dark into a green and bushy clearing. Under the faux moonlight, she wandered the stage, speaking to herself. 'Where's my camera? I can't believe I lost it. All my memories were there,' she said with a pang of panic in her voice. Moments later, a young man surfaced from the same spot. His eyes scanned the area as well, with a pained look on his face. 'Have you seen my drums?' When he plays his drums his heart races, he explained; his people feel joy, and the living, the dead and even the stars dance. 'It's like all our memories are there too,' he said. With this poignant intro, Bad Bunny kicked off the 'locals only' opening night of his 30-show residency in San Juan — which, for the first three weekends, will only be accessible to those who can show proof of their residence in Puerto Rico. Taking place each weekend at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum, affectionately referred to as El Choli by locals, the concert series revolves around his latest album, 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos,' and was advertised with name 'No me quiero ir de aquí,' which translates to 'I don't want to leave here.' It's a refrain that's been associated with the artist since he used it as a lyric in his 2022 ode to his homeland, 'El Apagón,' and he considers it still resonant today. A celebration of Puerto Rican identity, a fighting spirit shaped indelibly by its music and history, 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos' also urges its listeners that time is not to be taken for granted, and the past, present and future are not just distinct phases but one whole, inextricably tied together. Fans that flocked to the opening weekend concerts were treated to Benito at the apex of his talents, not to mention his stamina. For three hours and over 35 songs, he danced, strutted and sang to the approving roar of over 15,000 in attendance. The show opened with rumbles of bomba y plena, and an unreleased track that got the crowd buzzing — followed by popular recent bangers like 'Ketu Tecré,' 'El Clúb' and 'Pitorro de Coco.' He then regaled the crowd with a catwalk performance of 'Kloufrens' and 'Weltita,' which featured an appearance by Chuwi, the beloved tropical jazz quartet from Isabela. The two stages were grandiose, both in size and production quality. The main stage was a reproduction of a hill, made to approximate the lush foliage found in Puerto Rico's rainforest and central hillside towns. On one side, you could spy the two iconic Monobloc chairs from the album's cover, and on the other, a flamboyán tree blossoming with red flowers. On the opposite end of the coliseum's arena was a pristine pink vacation home, built to mirror the one from the short film that debuted along with the album. That film introduced the characters of Old Man, played by acclaimed Puerto Rican filmmaker Jacobo Morales, and Concho, the sweet-natured Puerto Rican crested toad voiced by Kenneth Canales, which was brought to life by the stop-motion work of Quique Rivera. The two unlikely housemates returned in two new vignettes shown at the concert, in which they live in a cabin in the middle of snowy woods. Concho misses the Caribbean warmth, and feels very far away from home. A kind Morales reminds him: 'We're Puerto Rican no matter where we are, and even from afar we defend what's ours.' Remember, he says while looking straight at the camera, Puerto Rico is 'the real calentón.' This cued a barrage of images that flashed across the screen, showing photos of historic protests and civil disobedience carried out over the decades by revolutionary Puerto Ricans. Benito reappeared under the flamboyán tree, where he was joined by guitarist Antonio Caraballo. Here, we got some of his lovelorn 'Sad Bunny' persona as they reinterpreted acoustic versions of older hits like 'Si Estuviésemos Juntos,' 'Ni Bien Ni Mal' and 'Amorfoda' before ending with 'Turista.' All the while, Benito waxed philosophically to the audience, commiserating about matters of the heart. From here, the action swiftly moved from the countryside to the pink house which suddenly filled with dancers in club wear — and Benito's longtime tour DJ Orma. Those craving a rowdy perreo party got their wish, as his salsa-dembow hybrid track 'Nuevayol' launched a 16-song stretch of frenzied, sweaty reggaeton and trap bops. Bouncing feverishly from 'Titi Me Preguntó' and 'La Jumpa' to 'Yo Perreo Sola' and 'Efecto,' Benito transformed the coliseum into a nightclub. Among the guests that night were none other than basketball legend LeBron James, Golden State champion Draymond Green and UnitedMasters CEO (and one of the most influential men in Black culture and business) Steve Stoute. James and Benito have a friendship going back several years, and it's hard to blame the superstar for wanting to hang with his pal — even if said pal is an American — during a concert by an artist who is not really vibing with the United States right now. But then again, if the home we see on stage is supposed to represent an Airbnb owned by non-Puerto Ricans — which is what was narratively implied — Benito might as well flex and bring in some elite gringos. Chants of 'MVP! MVP!' rang out at one point, provoking the four-time NBA champion to throw up a hand heart gesture to the crowd. It's all love. That being said: 'LeBron James sat on an air conditioner and danced while Bad Bunny sang 'Safaera'' is a ridiculous Mad Libs sentence that actually happened. As he paced from side to side on the house's rooftop, Benito would again touch on the topic of time. 'You get so caught up in the euphoria of the moment that you forget to appreciate the present,' he said. He asked the crowd to put their phones away and focus on the next song, and on whoever is accompanying them, or even someone across the aisle who has caught their eye. 'This is the moment to act,' he added, and ask them for a dance, just before the thrust of 'Eoo,' made famous from his sensual Calvin Klein underwear ad, got the whole building quaking. Puerto Rican plena ensemble Los Pleneros de la Cresta appeared to interpret 'Café Con Ron,' as well as one of their own songs, 'Ábreme Paso,' which gave way to a second video vignette. It showed Morales' Old Man leaving the cabin and trudging through a snowstorm, until he ran into Benito's musical director Julito Gastón — the young man from the opening skit — sitting behind his drum. As they lock eyes, Morales leaves him with a word of advice that's not just about the music, but the core of his being: 'Never stop playing your drums.' Bad Bunny resurfaced, looking a bit more subdued. He spoke softly, but sternly, about Puerto Rico and its struggle against gentrification and government neglect. 'We have to protect this land,' he said. 'We have to protect what's ours if we want our children to make a life here.' He followed it up by crooning 'Lo Que Le Pasó A Hawaii,' the solemn décima all about how the archipelago is being threatened existentially. An animated crash course in salsa history, narrated by Néstor Galán, set the scene for Benito's touring live band, Los Sobrinos to assemble. Dressed in a vintage '70s garb of a Fania bandleader, Benito led the group into the last and most rousing part of the concert: a salsa reimagining of 'Callaíta,' which gave way to to 'Baile Inolvidable' and 'Dtmf.' The crowd leapt to their feet, twirling and stepping to the rhythms. Before he launched into the opening freestyle of 'La Mudanza' he paused to gather himself; he took off his sunglasses to reveal his eyes had welled up with tears and gratefulness. As the image of a giant Puerto Rican flag graced the ceiling, he motioned for everyone to sing and scream the final lyrics in unison: 'Nobody's taking me from here, I'm not moving anywhere, tell 'em this is my home, where my grandfather was born, I'm from P f—in' R!' In the lead-up to last year's gubernatorial elections, Bad Bunny spent hundreds of thousands of his own money buying ad space on billboards across Puerto Rico urging its citizens to not vote for the ruling party, accusing them of being the main culprits of the island's woes. The ads consisted of a simple, white text on a black background. In the end, the same party that has led since 2017 won reelection; and since then, the current governor, Republican Party member Jenniffer González-Colón, has only continued to be mired in controversy. When entering the concert area, the large screens over the main stage showed one message with white letters on a black background: 'Yo Te Lo Dije,' or 'I Told You So.' When the show was over and everyone began to trickle out, a new message appeared, recognizable to all: 'No Me Quiero Ir De Aquí.' With his residency, Bad Bunny issues a rallying cry for Puerto Ricans: Act now. Change the future, so that you don't regret the past. And most importantly, never stop playing your drums.
Refinery29
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Heading to Puerto Rico for the Bad Bunny Residency? Add These Spots to Your Itinerary
I don't know about you, but I'm pulling up to Bad Bunny's No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí residency in San Juan this summer. ICYMI, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio skipped touring in the U.S. (because right) for his Debí Tirar Más Fotos album and, instead, is hosting a summerlong residency at El Choli in his beloved Puerto Rico. Described as a "love letter" to the archipelago, DTMF blends traditional Puerto Rican folkloric music genres, such as plena, bomba, jíbaro, and salsa, with reggaeton and house music. Meanwhile, its lyrics explore the complexities of Puerto Rico's colonial status and how it's led to gentrification, forced mass migration, and diasporic longing, among so many other political and social and themes. The first show kicks off on July 11, but the July dates are exclusive to Puerto Rican residents (because right). But come August and September, the concerts open up to all us regular shmegulars outside of the island. And according to Google Flights, San Juan is the top destination people in the U.S. are searching for travel this summer, so it seems like stateside fans are flying in. If you're making it out to La Isla del Encanto to catch Bad Bunny on stage for the show of the summer or are just pulling up to enjoy the hype, we've put together a list of activities to consider adding to your Pe Erre summertime itinerary. You're welcome. Visit La Sala Libre's Residency Running alongside Bad Bunny's shows is another kind of residency: La Sala Libre. Hosted by The DiaspoRico Project, La Sala Libre is a cultural residency taking place at Casa Saffra in Santurce from August 1 to September 14. This community-centered series reclaims the Puerto Rican sala by transforming the first floor of Casa Saffra, an Afro Boricua-owned home turned cultural venue, into a living room where people gather for exhibitions, performances, storytelling, and artist talks. The program bridges island and diaspora voices, offering you a unique and intimate look at Puerto Rico's evolving cultural narrative. Tour Viejo San Juan If it's your first time in San Juan, you have to tour the Old City. This historic district has centuries-old cobblestone streets and forts overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Classic tour stops include Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with the San Juan Cathedral and La Fortaleza, the oldest governor's mansion in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere. Guided walking tours offer rich context and local stories that bring the area's 500-year history to life. As part of JetBlue Vacations' new San Juan package, you can even get a complimentary guided walking tour that's valued at $125. Hike at El Yunque National Forest Just an hour from San Juan, El Yunque National Forest offers a lush escape into Puerto Rico's rainforest. It's known for its rich biodiversity, cascading waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. Trails like La Mina, Mount Britton, or Pico El Yunque range from easy walks to more challenging treks, and you're likely to encounter coquís, tropical birds, and panoramic mountain views. Just be sure to pack a swimsuit (and a hat, sunnies, sneakers, and sunblock) because several trails lead to natural swimming spots. Take a Bioluminescent Bay Tour One of Puerto Rico's most magical natural wonders is the bioluminescent bay at Laguna Grande in Fajardo, about 1 to 1.5 hours from San Juan. Guided night kayaking tours take you through a mangrove channel into the bay, where the water lights up with blue-green sparks thanks to microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates. The glow is especially vivid on moonless nights, and it's one of only a few places in the world where you can see this phenomenon year-round. Bike Ride Through Piñones Located along the scenic coast of Piñones in Loíza, COPI (Corporación Piñones Se Integra) is a community-run cultural center that offers visitors an immersive way to experience Afro-Puerto Rican heritage and nature. Rent a bike through their CicloNatura program and ride along a lush trail that winds through mangroves, beaches, and local food stands. COPI also hosts engaging bomba workshops, where guests can learn traditional drumming and dance from local artists. Go for a Swim San Juan is home to several beautiful and accessible beaches. Condado Beach is perfect for sunbathing and people-watching, Isla Verde offers calm waters and beachside bars ideal for families and jet skiing, while Ocean Park Beach offers more relaxed vibes. If you're up for a day trip, catch a ferry or flight to Culebra to visit Flamenco Beach, regularly ranked among the world's best, or head to Vieques for the secluded Playa Caracas and Playa Negra. Ride ATVs or Horses at Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park If you're seeking an adrenaline rush, Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park near El Yunque offers thrilling ATV and UTV tours through scenic farmland and rainforest terrain. Guests can drive through muddy trails, cross streams, and take in views of the foothills while following expert guides. The park also offers horseback riding and go-karting. Enjoy Rum Tasting at Casa Bacardí Take a quick ferry ride from Old San Juan to Casa Bacardí, the iconic rum distillery in Cataño. The distillery offers a variety of experiences, including mixology classes, rum tastings, and historical tours that trace Bacardí's Cuban origins and Puerto Rican legacy. You'll get to sample exclusive blends and learn how to craft cocktails like the perfect mojito or piña colada. Also, the waterfront pavilion and open-air bar provide stunning views of San Juan Bay,. Museum-Hop Throughout San Juan San Juan has a diverse and vibrant museum scene that's perfect for art lovers and history buffs. The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in Santurce showcases a wide range of Puerto Rican visual art, from classical to contemporary. Nearby, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo focuses on Latin American and Caribbean works. In Old San Juan, Museo de las Américas explores the cultural roots of the region. Enjoy San Juan Nightlife Okay, what you're really here for: to perrear. San Juan is known for having one of the best nightlife scenes in the world. In La Placita de Santurce, a produce market by day transforms into a street party after dark, packed with bars, live music, and dancing. For cocktails, La Factoría in Old San Juan consistently ranks among the world's best bars and offers multiple rooms with different vibes. And if you want to keep the Bad Bunny theme, hit up his new Café con Ron bar while you're in Viejo San Juan.
