Bad Bunny’s Final Concert Marks 8th Anniversary of Hurricane Maria
UPDATE: Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny closed his historic 30-show residency in San Juan with a powerful performance on the anniversary of Hurricane Maria, streamed live on Amazon Prime. The final concert on September 20, 2023, resonated deeply with attendees, marking eight years since the hurricane devastated the island, claiming 4,645 lives according to reports.
Celebrating Puerto Rican culture, the concert was a defiant act of resilience amidst ongoing challenges. Bad Bunny invited special guest Ñengo Flow, who wore a jersey emblazoned with the tragic number of hurricane victims, reminding the audience of the storm’s impact.
Concertgoers felt the significance of the date. One local, rideshare driver Javier Rosado, shared how Bad Bunny’s music has uplifted the island’s spirits, stating, “He’s put Puerto Rico’s name all over the world. It’s something we’ve never seen before with an artist from here.” Rosado, initially indifferent to Bad Bunny’s music, described attending a concert as “life-changing,” uniting generations in pride.
As concertgoers flocked to the venue, many participated in a vibrant block party outside, showcasing handmade crafts and local culture. Local vendor Keren Mendez described the atmosphere, saying, “This is like a Disney (World) for Puerto Ricans.”
Emotional connections were palpable. Attendee Kiki Vazquez wore a large Puerto Rican flag cape, expressing pride on this significant date. “Even without power, there was power in the people,” she reflected, highlighting the community’s resilience post-hurricane.
Amid the festivities, social issues came to the forefront. Nilsa Medina Piña, a retired professor, gathered signatures for the Citizen Victory Movement, advocating for political change. She emphasized the need for leaders who genuinely represent Puerto Rican interests, stating, “We’ve been living through this natural and social disaster for eight years.”
Bad Bunny’s influence goes beyond entertainment. His music has sparked civic engagement, notably with the song “El Apagón – Aquí Vive Gente,” which addresses social inequalities post-hurricane. Director Kacho López Mari noted that while Bad Bunny didn’t explicitly mention Hurricane Maria during the concert, the choice of date spoke volumes about resilience and moving forward.
As the night unfolded, families and friends danced together, celebrating unity and culture. The concert attracted a record-breaking audience on Amazon Prime, featuring surprise performances from Puerto Rican icons like Marc Anthony and Chuwi.
In a heartfelt farewell, Bad Bunny reminded fans, “As long as one is alive, one should love as much as one can.” He concluded with his anthem, “No me quiero ir de aquí,” urging those who left Puerto Rico to return, reinforcing the message of hope and perseverance.
Looking ahead, Bad Bunny’s “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” world tour kicks off on November 21 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, before traveling across Latin America, Australia, Europe, and Japan in 2026. Notably, he has opted against a U.S. tour due to concerns over ICE actions.
As Puerto Rico continues to heal, Bad Bunny’s impact remains undeniable, inspiring pride and cultural revival on an island still overcoming the shadows of Hurricane Maria.
