038 Bad Bunny, Pride, and the Rhythm of Our Roots

In this episode, I reflect on watching the Bad Bunny concert on Amazon and the pride of seeing Puerto Rican music honored on a global stage. From the African roots of Bomba, to the storytelling voice of Plena, to the worldwide reach of Salsa, I share both personal memories and insights from my background in Ethnomusicology.

These rhythms are more than genres—they are history, resistance, and the heartbeat of Puerto Rico.

References – Further Reading

• Bomba (Puerto Rico). Wikipedia
• Plena: The People’s Newspaper. Smithsonian Folkways → link
• History of Plena. La Casa de la Plena → link
• Music of Puerto Rico. Wikipedia

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• “Bomba Pa’ Siempre” by Jimmy Fontanez

• “Llena de Plena” by Jimmy Fontanez

• Used with appreciation and respect for the traditions of Puerto Rican music.