Bad Bunny paused his electrifying performance in São Paulo, Brazil, this weekend to pay tribute to salsa legend Willie Colón, who passed away Saturday at the age of 75. The gesture underscored the profound influence of Colón’s music, not only on the Latin music landscape but also on artists like Bad Bunny who are pushing genre boundaries today. The tribute came during the second night of Bad Bunny’s “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” world tour at Allianz Parque.
Colón’s death prompted an outpouring of grief across the Latin music world, with many acknowledging his pivotal role in shaping the sound and spirit of salsa. Bad Bunny’s acknowledgment of the loss resonated deeply with fans, highlighting the enduring legacy of a musical icon. The moment served as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of musical generations and the importance of honoring those who paved the way.
“Today, one of the legends who contributed to this beautiful and legendary genre passed away,” Bad Bunny told the São Paulo crowd, as captured in fan-filmed videos circulating on social media. “So, on behalf of myself and Los Sobrinos, we wish Willie Colón peace. Much strength to his family. The inspiration of so many of these great musicians who left their mark on this earth will never die as long as there are talented young people like those here, keeping the music, salsa and all Caribbean rhythms alive.”
The connection between Bad Bunny and Colón extends beyond a simple tribute. Bad Bunny’s critically acclaimed album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” features a nod to the salsa icon in the track “NUEVAYoL.” The song samples Puerto Rico’s “Godfather of Salsa” Andy Montañez Rodrígue’s rendition of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico’s song “Un Verano en Nueva York” against a dembow beat and includes the lyric “Willie Colón, me dicen ‘el malo,’” (“Willie Colón, they call me the bad one”), referencing Colón’s 1967 debut album, El Malo.
Interestingly, despite some differing political views later in life – with Colón expressing conservative opinions on social media that at times included criticism of Bad Bunny – the salsa legend publicly embraced the shout-out on the album. According to reports, Colón stated in a social media video, “When I heard it, I was really surprised. The push it gave to salsa and to Boricuas, it’s something we all needed.”
Willie Colón’s career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on Latin music. His manager, Pietro Carlos, described Colón as someone who “didn’t just change salsa. He expanded it, politicized it, clothed it in urban chronicles and took it to stages where it hadn’t been before.” Rolling Stone reports that Colón’s trombone became “the voice of the people.”
Bad Bunny’s tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the power of music to transcend generations and connect artists across genres. As Bad Bunny continues his “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” world tour, with upcoming stops including Sydney, Australia, the legacy of Willie Colón will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence his work and the broader landscape of Latin music. The impact of Colón’s music will live on through artists like Bad Bunny, ensuring that the vibrant rhythms of salsa continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
The loss of Willie Colón is deeply felt within the music community, and Bad Bunny’s heartfelt tribute underscores the enduring power of his musical contributions. What remains to be seen is how other artists will honor Colón’s legacy in the coming weeks and months, and how his influence will continue to shape the evolution of Latin music.
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