Puerto Rican reggaeton star Bad Bunny has released a new single titled "Una Velita" to commemorate the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Maria, a disastrous event that profoundly affected the island. The Category 5 hurricane struck Puerto Rico in September 2017, causing immense devastation, and the impacts are still being felt today.
In "Una Velita," Bad Bunny not only reflects on the personal and communal scars left by the hurricane but also addresses the current political dynamics as Puerto Rico gears up for a new gubernatorial election. This marks Bad Bunny's first single of 2024, following his latest album, Nadi sabe lo que va a pasar mañana, released last October.
The single cover features Bad Bunny lighting a candle, symbolizing hope and remembrance for those who suffered during the hurricane. Key lyrics resonate with urgency and poignancy, including the line, "There were five thousand that they let die, and we will never forget that." This stark reference resonates deeply as it points to the perceived neglect faced by Puerto Ricans in the aftermath of the hurricane.
Additionally, Bad Bunny uses the song as a platform to criticize the current political status quo. With lyrics like, "The palm tree on which they want to hang the country, one of these days we're going to knock it down," he alludes to the New Progressive Party, which uses the palm tree as a political symbol.
"Una Velita" is available on streaming platforms and a visualizer has been released on YouTube, bringing attention not just to the ongoing struggles but also to Bad Bunny's advocacy for voting rights in Puerto Rico.
For more details on the release, you can visit Hypebeast.