In Puerto Rico, Protest Music Becomes Essential Part of a New Movement Against Corruption

 

Introduction of Bad Bunny Merch

In Puerto Rico, folk genres like bomba, sung and danced by enslaved Africans as a form of rebellion against slave-owners and  plena, a traditional musical styling impoverished jibaros sung to bring attention to their social ills, indicate that music has always been a part of the island’s centuries-long resistance movements. Today, as the Puerto Rican people Bad Bunny Merch upraised a corrupt local governments. specifically calling for the resignation of Gov. Ricardo Rosselló the biggest names in Puerto Rican music are similarly using modern genres as a form of political expression, unity and refuge.

TelegramGate Scandal Sparks Mass Protests 

Protests exploded on the archipelago on Saturday after Puerto Rico’s Center for Investigative Journalism published of a private telegram chat between the governor and members of his cabinet. In the leaked messages dubbed TelegramGate the leaders made profanity-laced homophobic transphobic and misogynistic comments, some outright violent, about female politicians celebrities and protestors as well as shocking quips about the victims of Hurricane María. In Puerto Rico  where the people were recently also hit with amoney laundering case by its education and health leaders and are fighting against an unelected fiscal control board and remain in recovery from the devastating 2017 hurricane that compounded the island’s economic and humanitarian crises  the chat was a catalyst for insurgence

Old San Juan Against Corruption and Injustice

tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered on the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan in the crusade’s fifth and largest protest. Among them, artists likeBadBunny Merch Residente Ricky Martin La India PJ Sin Suela and more used their celebrity and talent to urge their país to stay resolute in their fight and to create unity on an island in distress. Through music these artists are helping shape and propel a people-led movement against the governor, political corruption and injustice.

Rappers Drop Protest Anthems to Amplify Uprising Against Governor Rosselló

On July 17 rapero Residente of the famed band Calle 13 released Afilando Los Cuchillos Sharpening The Knives a blistering track featuring Latin trap king Bad Bunny and singer iLe. Together the Boricua artists musically eviscerated Gov. Rosselló, calling him a dictator, an assassin a thief and a homophobe and, encouraged the pueblo to unite and raise their fists for Borikén. With more than 3 million views on YouTube the lyrical outcry, rapped over a hip-hop beat, has become the most prominent protest song in the fight against Rosselló and his administration.Before Afilando Los Cuchillos dropped  Puerto Rican rapperPJSin Suela delivered PUTA  a scathing three-minute attack against political corruption.

Corruption and Call for Unity as iLe Revives “La Borinqueña” During Protests

 The song’s title alludes to Gov. Rosselló’s remarks against Puerto Rico born former New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, who he called a “whore.” But PJ Sin Suela a doctor-turned-urban artist, not only lambasts the contents of the chat, but also highlights the theft of funds for education and health care and calls on Puerto Rico a US territory divided by status, to unite, from indepDuring Wednesday’s massive protest in Old San Juan, Ileana Mercedes Cabra Joglar, better known by her artist name iLe, stood atop a white truck among thousands of people demonstrating in front of the Capitolio and sang the original lyrics 

Borinqueña.

Revolutionary Anthems and Iconic Voices Inspire Calls for Puerto Rican Liberation and Justice

 The first version of the national anthem is rooted in revolution with lyrics by Lola Rodríguez de Tío urging her people to wake up and fight for liberation from Spain. At the demonstration, iLe’s emotional rendition had thousands of Puerto Ricans who are today colonial subjects of the United States, raising their flags and fists in the air and singing, “Vámonos, borinqueños, vámonos ya, que nos espera ansiosa, ansiosa la libertad.endentistas to those who seek statehood, for a just future.alsera La India also attended Wednesday’s protest. The iconic Puerto Rican singer stood on a balcony above demonstrators who organized near La Fortaleza, the governor’s mansion, where she powerfully sang Lamento Borincano.

 Echoing Puerto Rico’s Ongoing Economic Struggles

Salsera La India also attended Wednesday’s protest. The iconic Puerto Rican singer stood on a balcony above demonstrators who organized near La Fortaleza, the governor’s mansion, where she powerfully sang “Lamento Borincano.” The song, one of the most famous Boricua boleros, was composed by Rafael Hernández Marín in the 1920s to protest the economic struggle of poor farmers in the midst of the Great Depression, a poignant message as the Puerto Rican people grapple with a $123 billion debt crisis that has led to cuts in public services a loss of jobs and schools, and deepened poverty

Solidarity around the world

Artists that have spoken out and called for Rosselló’s resignation include Ricky Martin Residente and Bad Bunny DTMF Merch Dominican musician Rita Indiana was reportedly present at last night’s protest in Old San Juan.As of publication we’re aware of protests having taken place in New York City at Union Square Philadelphia, and Boston. Globally, groups have gathered and individuals have expressed solidarity in Italy Siena Spain Barcelona Madrid and the Netherlands among other countries