As someone from the same region as one of the most successful artists of our time, who now holds the record for the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show with over 135M views, I want to share a bit of insight, because I believe there’s a lot to learn from his movement.
For someone who comes from a small island in the Caribbean to pull off a spectacle like the one we witnessed yesterday is an incredible achievement. The energy you see in every person waving that flag comes from that reality.
When life tries to crush you for being small, it makes you feel like you only occupy space. Like your voice doesn’t matter. Like you’ll never have the resources or reach to get ahead. Holding that flag becomes about more than pride.
It becomes about proving that we can.
That we all can.
Our community is proud of him. And regardless of personal taste, style, or genre, almost the entire artistic community stands behind his work.
As a pop artist, he has drawn from Puerto Rico’s rich culture and century old sounds, transforming them into global entertainment that still feels genuine, young, passionate, rebellious, and wild, yet always anchored to its roots.
At the same time, his sound carries echoes from across the Americas. It moves easily between the Caribbean, Latin America, and the urban rhythms shaped on the U.S. mainland. Those influences don’t compete, they converse. Together, they form a language that feels familiar on both sides of the ocean, reminding us that culture flows freely and that our stories are deeply intertwined.
None of what he’s experiencing today happened overnight. It was brewed over years. Along the way, he’s been wise enough to borrow from his peers and ancestors with respect, giving credit and honoring those who laid the foundation of the path he walks today.
Because he’s remained genuinely humble and grounded, no matter how far he’s gone, more people rally behind him. More people push for him when they get the chance to work with him. They understand that he’s not just a star, but a vessel, a medium that amplifies their work, their culture, and the things that make them who they are.
That’s how movements are built.
Thank you,
@sanbenito, for carrying the flag and reminding the world what’s possible. Keep rocking it.