Bad Bunny has excited fans with the announcement of his inaugural residency in Puerto Rico, set to take place this summer. This significant event will follow the release of his sixth studio album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” which the artist describes as his “most Puerto Rican” work to date.
In a heartfelt video shared on his Instagram, Bad Bunny expressed his gratitude for his global journey in music but emphasized his love for his home, stating, “for now, I am in Puerto Rico. I am at home and I am having a good time and if I am honest, I do not want to leave here.” He named the residency “No me quiero ir de aquí,” which translates to “I do not want to leave here,” echoing themes from his popular song “El Apagón” from the album “Un Verano Sin Ti.”
Scheduled from July 11 to August 24, Bad Bunny will perform 21 shows at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot, commonly referred to as “El Choli,” the largest indoor entertainment venue on the island with a capacity exceeding 18,000. Notably, this marks the first official residency ever held at “El Choli.”
The ticket sales are designed to prioritize local fans; tickets for the first nine shows will be available exclusively to Puerto Rican residents from Wednesday, while online pre-sales for additional performances will commence on Tuesday.
Bad Bunny’s new album, released on January 5, quickly climbed the charts, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s top streaming albums chart and reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Its cover depicts two simple plastic chairs amidst plantain trees, symbolizing the deep connection he maintains with Puerto Rico. The album fuses traditional sounds like salsa, plena, and bomba with contemporary genres such as reggaeton and dembow, incorporating lyrics that address the island’s cultural heritage and political challenges.
Through various interviews, Bad Bunny has expressed hope that his music will bridge generational gaps within families, fostering dialogue between the young and old. He remarked, “One of my purposes with this project was to connect and unify families, different generations.”
In summary, Bad Bunny’s residency is not only a celebration of his music but also a tribute to his roots, reflecting his desire to bring the community together through shared cultural experiences and the powerful medium of music. This initiative has a hopeful aspect, signaling a strong return to live performances and local engagements, enhancing the cultural landscape of Puerto Rico.