Bad Bunny's Hispanic turn: conviction or strategy?

Bad Bunny flirts with cultural Hispanism

Bad Bunny is flirting with cultural Hispanism, and it is no passing whim. The Puerto Rican star has begun to embrace the island's musical roots and shows a patriotic sensibility never seen in him before. At his mega-concert with guest stars he peine with "Preciosa", a duet with Marc Anthony, a song whose lyrics refer to "mother Spain". He has also adopted his real name, Benito, and his latest album is entirely in Spanish, drawing closer to roots Hispanic music.

The Super Bowl was another milestone: during his performance he waved the flag of Spain, a gesture that did not go unnoticed. Some analysts read it as a sincere turn toward Hispanism, while others reduce it to a marketing play. "The bad bunny will become Hispanic, nationalist, pro-American, pro-independence, depending on the cash coming in," sums up the skeptical camp. But the data suggest it is not a calculated move: his latest chart success was unexpected and seems more the fruit of conviction than of box-office expectations.

From grime to musical roots

The change also includes a religious turn: he has become an Evangelical Christian, something his trinc see as a step forward from his earlier explicit lyrics. "Dadi Yanqui is back hitting hard without needing dirty lyrics," fans comment. With awards under his arm and a more traditional sound, Bad Bunny is on a path that, according to his defenders, only needs "the right rhythm" to fully embrace his Spanish heritage.

Not everyone buys it. Critics call him an opportunist, and some distrust a Hispanism that could prove fleeting. But the artist has already taken concrete steps: singing "Preciosa", championing Marc Anthony, displaying the Spanish flag on the biggest stage in the United States. Is that enough to declare him a Hispanist? For now he is only one culturally, but he has set off down an interesting path. If he keeps it up, the bad bunny could end up where few expected: embracing the motherland.