Bad Bunny’s ‘LA MuDANZA’ Music Video: A Celebration of Culture and Political Commentary
On his 31st birthday, Bad Bunny released the eagerly awaited music video for his latest single, “LA MuDANZA.” This salsa-infused track resonates deeply with personal narratives, similar to his previous hit “BAILE INoLVIDABLE,” harkening back to the salsa gorda era that shaped the genre. The song begins with a spoken segment where Benito—Bad Bunny’s real name—reflects on his parents’ journey in the Nineties, showcasing the serendipitous events that led to his birth as an international icon.
Imagery and Personal Histories
The music video opens with nostalgic images that highlight his family members, specifically his father Benito, grandfather Benito, and mother “Lisy,” short for Lysaurie. It transitions into a stylized reenactment showing the day Benito was released from the hospital, with his real-life younger brother Bernie Martínez portraying their father. This emotional segment depicts baby Benito rapping along with the song’s lyrics, establishing a connection between his personal history and his music.
A Reflection of Sociopolitical Struggles
Transitioning into broader themes, “LA MuDANZA” incorporates elements of socio-political activism that have been a constant in Bad Bunny’s work since his debut single, “EL CLÚB.” The music video draws parallels with his 2022 short documentary “El Apagón,” which highlighted pressing issues such as public beach accessibility and gentrification affecting Puerto Ricans. The visual storytelling is enriched by references to the island’s pro-independence movements and its long-standing resistance to American colonialism.
Significance of the Light Blue Flag
Among the powerful visuals is a display of the light blue version of the Puerto Rican flag, a significant symbol in the pro-independence discourse. Bad Bunny’s lyrics, “Aquí mataron gente por sacar la bandera, Por eso es que ahora yo la llevo donde quiera” (translated to “They killed people for waving the flag, That’s why now I take her everywhere”), echo the painful history associated with the Gag Law of 1948, which criminalized the advocacy of independence and led to violence against those who displayed the flag.
Historical Context: Vieques Protests
Part of the video depicts powerful black-and-white photographs of protests from the late 20th century against the U.S. military’s occupation of Vieques, a site infamous for extensive bombing exercises that caused environmental hazards and health crises among residents. This historical touchpoint serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against harmful colonial practices.
Environmental Advocacy and Coastal Protection
The music video culminates with breathtaking shots of Puerto Rico’s coastlines, emphasizing Bad Bunny’s commitment to environmental issues. Closing on scenes of iconic locations like the Punta Higüero lighthouse, these visuals implicitly narrate the current debate over developments threatening the island’s natural beauty, such as the controversial “Esencia” project. This project seeks to transform Cabo Rojo’s coastal areas into commercial spaces, which, according to activism circles, could erode local culture and access to public resources.
A Legacy of Independence
While Eugenio María de Hostos is not explicitly featured in the final cut, behind-the-scenes imagery showcases his mural. Bad Bunny references him in the lyrics, “Si mañana muero yo espero que nunca olviden mi rostro, Y pongan un tema mío el día que traigan a Hostos” (translated to “If I die tomorrow, I hope you never forget my face, And play one of my songs on the day they bring back Hostos”). Hostos, a prominent figure in the pro-independence movement, symbolizes the ongoing fight for Puerto Rican autonomy. Bad Bunny’s homage highlights his dedication to advancing this critical conversation and his recognition of historical figures who paved the way for future activism.
Ultimately, through “LA MuDANZA,” Bad Bunny merges personal reflection with cultural and political themes, reinforcing his position as a voice for his generation and a champion of Puerto Rican identity.
