Bad Bunny’s Return to Puerto Rico: A Resounding Triumph

If Debí Tirar Más Fotos served as a declaration of love for Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny’s month-long residency, No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí, is a powerful, tangible tribute.

On the inaugural night at El Coliseo de Puerto Rico, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio transformed the island’s largest venue into an intimate space. The resulting three-hour spectacle was a heartfelt dedication to the place and people who shaped his life.

From the outset, Bad Bunny emphasized that this would be an extraordinary performance. A pre-show video displayed concise, powerful statements about Puerto Rico’s history and identity on a large screen. The messages highlighted facts such as Puerto Rico’s archipelago status and San Juan’s significance as one of the oldest cities in the Americas.

This homecoming event celebrated his achievements while allowing him to share them with those closest to him.

The stage design mirrored Puerto Rico’s rural landscape, featuring lush greenery, scattered plastic chairs, and swaying palm trees. Free-roaming chickens added to the ambiance under the stage lights. A replica of a small house, reminiscent of his album artwork and short film, served as a second stage and VIP area; notable figures such as Lebron James were spotted enjoying the performance.

His clothing choices also reflected his homeland; at one point, he wore a custom-made guayabera shirt embroidered with the names of towns in the Cordillera Central mountain range.

The performance blended new tracks from his recent album with well-known songs from Un Verano Sin Ti and innovative renditions of older songs. A bomba version of “KETU TeCRÉ” transitioned into “El Apagón,” accompanied by plena drums and a lively band. The singer showed visible emotion during the final song, “La Mundanza,” as the entire stadium sang along flawlessly.

Between songs, Benito acknowledged influential Puerto Rican musicians who paved the way for his success, including Tego Calderón, Daddy Yankee, Ivy Queen, Don Omar, Wisin y Yandel, and Ñengo Flow, among others.

It’s clear Bad Bunny cherishes his homeland deeply. However, the opening night demonstrated that Puerto Rico will undoubtedly support his future endeavors, wherever they may lead.