Students from Loyola Marymount University (LMU) recently brought their academic studies to life by attending a concert featuring Residente at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles on October 26. This event was part of their course titled “Bad Bunny and Resistance in Puerto Rico,” led by associate professor Vanessa Díaz. The course examines the powerful links between music, political struggle, and identity, particularly focusing on influential artists like Residente and Bad Bunny.
Professor Díaz emphasized that while Bad Bunny might be a focal point, the course encompasses a broader narrative concerning Puerto Rico’s history and its resistance to U.S. colonial influences. Students gained a profound insight into the social and political significance of music, particularly as they engaged in an analysis of Residente’s impactful song “Afilando los Cuchillos” which emerged during the 2019 protests in Puerto Rico against then-Governor Ricardo Rosselló.
In the week leading up to the concert, discussions extended to critical themes such as race, gender, and sexuality in reggaetón music, reinforcing Residente’s ongoing advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights—a theme that resonated throughout his performance.
The concert was a transformative experience for many students. Anna McDonnell, a film and television production major, shared how the concert exemplified music’s dual role as both art and activism. Despite not speaking Spanish, she felt compelled to engage with the performance, noting Residente’s poignant references to global events, such as violence in Gaza, and the fight for Puerto Rican independence, making it a profound moment that connected their academic studies with real-world activism.
Another student, Sydney Díaz, reflected on the communal atmosphere at the concert, where the audience united around the songs of resistance. This shared experience reinforced the course’s themes and highlighted the ways in which music can inspire awareness and action on social justice issues.
For students like Peter Molaro, the concert offered an audio-visual experience deepening their understanding of Residente’s message. His performance effectively bridged the gap between history and contemporary politics, allowing listeners to grasp the rich narratives behind his music.
Significantly, the concert occurred amid a politically charged moment in Puerto Rico, where discussions around independence have gained momentum. This year, independence candidate José Luis Dalmau was polling closely with candidates from the statehood party in a sign of shifting attitudes on the island. The support of artists like Residente and Bad Bunny during this campaign underscores the growing influence of music in political discourse.
Jesus Estrada, another student, articulated how the concert allowed him to tie his studies to the broader struggle for liberation in Puerto Rico. Witnessing Residente’s commitment to social change reaffirmed the role of music as a catalyst for civic engagement.
Ultimately, the experience that LMU students had at Residente’s concert will likely leave a lasting impact on them as they navigate their roles as engaged citizens. Their opportunity to connect classroom learning with a real-world concert not only enriches their educational journey but also empowers them to be advocates for change.
This event reflects a hopeful narrative for the future, illustrating how students can draw strength from their cultural heritage and academic pursuits to foster dialogue and promote social justice. By embracing music as both an art form and a medium of advocacy, they are equipped to contribute meaningfully to ongoing conversations about identity, resistance, and cultural resilience.