In this episode, I reflect on watching the Bad Bunny concert on Amazon and the pride of seeing Puerto Rican music honored on a global stage. From the African roots of Bomba, to the storytelling voice of Plena, to the worldwide reach of Salsa, I share both personal memories and insights from my background in Ethnomusicology.
These rhythms are more than genres—they are history, resistance, and the heartbeat of Puerto Rico.
References – Further Reading
- Bomba (Puerto Rico). Wikipedia
- Plena: The People’s Newspaper. Smithsonian Folkways → link
- History of Plena. La Casa de la Plena → link
- Music of Puerto Rico. Wikipedia
“Bomba Pa’ Siempre” by Jimmy Fontanez
“Llena de Plena” by Jimmy Fontanez
Used with appreciation and respect for the traditions of Puerto Rican music.
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